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Introduction: Intimate partner violence is a secret disaster among different communities in
Tanzania. There are various effects brought about by Intimate partner violence to the nation,
community, families’ women and children. IPV has various causes which are very complex and
linked together with several main pathways that stem from basic causes. Different perceptions of
men and women in the community may increase or decrease the prevalence of IPV and help
seeking behaviours among victims.
Objectives: To identify causes, perceptions and help seeking behaviour towards intimate partner
violence among women in Kilimanjaro region.
Method: A cross section descriptive study involving various stakeholders who are involved
with fighting against gender based violence in Kilimanjaro. In depth interviews were conducted
with each stakeholder using special interview guideline questions. Data was analyzed manually
using the thematic analysis framework.
Results: Stakeholders identified various causes of IPV among them being, not taking care of the
family, coming back home late, not being faithful, or not discussing issues with the wife,
improper use of mobile phones, economic dependence, lack of education on human rights and
alcohol abuse. The society perception of IPV was that it was a secret matter not something to be
discussed outside by other people outside the family. Societal culturally ingrained perceptions
which dominate men and women in the society were prominent to extent that some women see
violence as normal. Help seeking behaviour is more to the informal sector (friends, religious
institutions and family) than the formal sectors. Most cases reported in the formal sector are
those of physical violence.
Conclusion: More effort should be made to assure both women and men are educated on IPV
and its effects so that they may change their wrong perceptions towards IPV practice.
Interventions should focus on addressing the root causes of the problems leading to intimate
partner violence.
Keywords: Perception, Intimate Partner Violence, Help seeking behaviour. |
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