Domestic Violence And Women's Participation In Community Development Initiatives In Western Uganda A Case Study Of Mbarara Municipality Mbarara District

ABSTRACT

'he study on how domestic violence affects women's pai1icipation in community development 1itiatives in Mbarara Municipality aimed at establishing the forms and nature of domestic violence existing in homes, the causes of domestic violence, the effects of domestic violence on 10men's participation in community development initiatives and to identify mechanisms put in lace to address the question, gaps existing and suggest the way forward. 'he study targeted women and men in families that experienced domestic violence and local ader working in the area who were all knowledgeable about the existence of domestic violence ince they were service providers. The study employed a descriptive design in which both ualitative and quantitative methods were used. Purposive random sampling was used to select 1ese participants and primary data collection methods included the use of questionnaires and 1terview guides and the secondary data collection methods included the relevant literature fromlooks, magazines, periodicals, government publications, journals, newspapers and Internet. he research found out that the causes of domestic violence include misunderstandings between 1ai1ners leading to domestic violence. The causes of domestic violence include frustration atvork, poverty at home, women are violent, men want to show authority, misunderstandings. by 1ature men are violent, and women ask a lot from Men. The researcher established the effects of lomestic violence to include the following; loss of lives, diseases such as AIDS, injuries . bandoned children, family disputes, rape, divorce and separation, financial constraints, loss of respect, lack of self esteem and disregard in society and school drop out. These combine to lowervomen' self-esteem and attitude to work that deter participation in community development nitiatives. t was also noted that most of the respondents were arguing that in some cases. organizations end to help those who are sometimes better off and leave out those who are badly in need of heir legal help, they attributed this to c01Tuption. The researcher recommended that there is need or lobbying for more funds to facilitate programs fighting against domestic violence, the need or community sensitization, building rapport with the people, fundraising to get more funding. donations, apprehending men who abuse their wives. Persistence as violence may not be solved nstantly.