A quantitative assessment of the perceptions of Nigerian men on domestic violence in the 2008 Nigerian demographic and health survey

Opeyemi Fadeyibi, Obafemi Awolowo University
Olusina Bamiwuye, Obafemi Awolowo University
Sunday Adedini, University of the Witwatersrand
Sunday T. Omoyeni, Obafemi Awolowo University

Studies on domestic violence have often neglected men who are the main perpetrators of the act. Understanding the perception of men is important as it will help identify group(s) of men that need to be addressed; and suggest and adequately inform the type of advocacy programs aimed at eliminating the practice. The study analyzed data from the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey with a view to identifying factors that may influence the perception of men on domestic violence. Results show that one-third of men included in the 2008 DHS agreed that wife battery is justified for at least one of the reasons stated in the DHS. Age, level of education, type of union, region and place of residence and wealth index were significantly associated with the perception that wife battery is justified. Information, education and communication programmes aimed at eliminating the practise may also need to target men.