Health Implication of Domestic Violence against Married Women in Ekiti State

Domestic violence against married women is a pervasive issue with profound health implications. The problem of domestic violence not only threatens the immediate safety and well-being of women but also has long-term consequences on their physical and mental health, contributing to chronic health conditions, mental illnesses, and impaired social functioning. The study seeks to fill this gap by examining the health implication of domestic violence against married women in Ekiti state. The research utilized a positional approach methods to provide a holistic view of the issue. A survey was conducted to collect data on the prevalence, types and dimension, effect, causes and consequences of domestic violence experienced, and associated health outcomes. The findings reveal that domestic violence significantly impacts the health of married women, manifesting in physical injuries, such as bruises, fractures, and chronic pain, and psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The survey results indicated that women had experienced some form of domestic violence, with physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse. Also highlighted the causes, consequences, effects and intimidation tactics used by abusers, which exacerbate mental health issues and hinder women from seeking support. Additionally, economic dependence on the abuser was a significant barrier to leaving abusive relationships. To address the health implications of domestic violence, the study recommends the implementation of comprehensive support systems, including accessible mental health services, legal assistance, and economic empowerment programs for women. Public health initiatives should focus on raising awareness, early intervention, and providing training for healthcare professionals to identify and respond to domestic violence effectively. Policies should be strengthened to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable, ensuring a multi-faceted approach to mitigate the health impacts of domestic violence on married women.