ABSTRACT
This study investigated the impact of social media on raising awareness of domestic violence in Nigeria. The research was grounded in Muted Group Theory, Family Systems Theory, and Feminist Theory. Researchers used a survey method, distributing questionnaires in Lagos through quota sampling. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) were used to analyze the data, presented in tables for clarity. An interesting finding emerged – nearly all respondents (94.7%) reported no personal experience with domestic violence. However, a positive sign: a large majority (73.3%) acknowledged social media's role in raising awareness and reporting of abuse. The study delves deeper into the impact of sharing abuse experiences online. Over 42% believe social media exposure ignites public condemnation of domestic violence. Additionally, nearly half (46.7%) agreed that these platforms hold significant potential for promoting social and behavioral interventions to prevent and address the issue. The most common platform for encountering domestic violence content was Facebook (40.5% of respondents). Encouragingly, nearly half (49.6%) reported frequently seeing anti-domestic violence campaigns on social media. The study concludes by recommending that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the government collaborate on campaigns that encourage victims to utilize social media for reporting abuse. This, in turn, could lead to the prosecution of perpetrators. This rewrite condenses the original text while highlighting key findings. It emphasizes both the positive aspects (awareness, intervention) and the potential limitation (low reporting by victims).
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Background to the Study
There have been horrifying stories of domestic violence in Nigerian society often daily. When listening to the radio, watching TV, reading the newspaper, or even browsing blogs and social media, you might hear about a husband killing his wife or vice versa if the news is not about cults, prostitution, or factories that make babies (Ubong, 2018).
In some instance, it might involve a father assaulting his daughter sexually to gain knowledge about her. Nigerian women, young girls, and children have experienced barter rape and even murder at the hands of members of their own family for alleged transgressions ranging from failing to prepare meals on time to having family members visit them without their husband’s permission (Ubong, 2018).
Many families, especially women, suffer chemical and acid attacks by their spouses or partners, which result in excruciating pain or disfigurement and occasionally even result in the victims’ deaths. (Baba and Murray, 2017). Physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and psychological abuse are all forms of domestic violence that impact all social groups in society. (Ukoima, Dimkpa and Mina, 2020).
It should be noted that domestic violence (domestic abuse) refers to any form of abuse or violence that occurs within a domestic relationship, such as between spouses, partners, family members, or roommates. It takes many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse (Dryden-Edwards, 2022). Domestic violence can have severe and lasting effects on the health and well-being of those who experience it, and it is a serious problem that affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds especially women and children (Rivara, Adhia, Lyons, and Massey, 2019).
However, domestic violence is a serious issue in Nigeria, as it is in many other countries around the world. In Nigeria, domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse (Oluremi, 2015). In Nigeria, cultural and societal factors contribute to the high rates of domestic violence. Traditional gender roles and expectations can lead to a belief that men have the right to control and dominate their partners. Additionally, there can be a lack of awareness and understanding of what constitutes domestic violence, and a reluctance to report it due to fear of societal stigma or lack of trust in the criminal justice system (Rivara, Adhia, Lyons, and Massey, 2019).
The Nigerian government has taken steps to address domestic violence, including enacting laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) which was signed into law in 2015, and it criminalizes all forms of violence against persons and provides for the protection and support of victims. However, enforcement of these laws can be inconsistent, and access to support services for survivors of domestic violence remains limited in many areas of the country (Oluremi, 2015).
Some common forms of domestic violence include but not limited to: Physical abuse: hitting, slapping, pushing, or other forms of physical violence, Sexual abuse: forcing or coercing someone into sexual acts, Emotional abuse: verbal abuse, manipulation, gaslighting, or other forms of psychological manipulation, Economic abuse: controlling access to money or resources, or preventing someone from working (Arizona Coalition, 2023).
Victims of domestic violence may experience a wide range of physical and emotional effects, including injuries, trauma, depression, and anxiety. It’s important for anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help and support. There are many resources available, including hotlines, shelters, counseling, and legal services. It’s also important to remember that leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous, and it’s important to have a safety plan in place (Arizona Coalition, 2023).
In the meantime, improvements in information and communication technology, particularly social media that allow for self-publishing, have made it possible for victims, particularly women, to express what they are going through in texts, photos, and videos in order to elicit public condemnation, criticism and, consequently, receive the desired judgment (Philip, 2016). Thus, social media can be a valuable tool for reporting domestic violence, as it allows individuals to share their experiences and raise awareness about the issue. Many survivors of domestic violence may not feel comfortable reporting the abuse to authorities or seeking help in person, but social media can provide a way for them to speak out anonymously and connect with others who have gone through similar experiences (Philip, 2016).
However, it’s important to note that social media reporting of domestic violence should be done with caution. It’s important for individuals to be mindful of their own safety when sharing personal information online, and to be aware that not all information shared on social media is accurate or trustworthy. Additionally, reporting domestic violence on social media may not always result in immediate action, and it’s important to have a plan in place for seeking help and support. Hence, this study is on the thrust to investigate the influence of social media awareness and reporting on domestic violence particularly among Lagos residents.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Numerous interventions have been deployed to address the persistent domestic violence, particularly against women, in Nigeria and elsewhere. These efforts don’t seem to have done enough to stop the threat. These interventions, among others, include but are not limited to advocacy, campaigns, education, legal rulings, and outright punishment.
However, some of the effects of domestic violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. In various ways, in Nigeria, women are frequently the targets of this antisocial behavior. Many human rights and civil society organizations, as well as concerned individuals, have introduced a number of initiatives to combat this societal ill that has primarily endangered women and children. The social media is anticipated to play a big part in bringing attention to cases of sexual violence by amplifying the voices of those who are fighting against it and by acting as a vital tool for surveillance.
Meanwhile, advancement in information and communication technology particularly social media which offer self-publishing opportunity have enabled victims especially women to share their stories in texts, photos and video to express what they are experiencing to arose public condemnation, criticism and by extension getting the desire judgement but to what extent has social media been effectively used and generate the desire judgement. It is against this background that this study is on the thrust to investigate the influence of social media in raising awareness on domestic violence particularly among Lagos residents.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to investigate the influence of social media in raising awareness on domestic violence while the specific objectives include to:
- to assess the degree to which social media is being used to raise awareness of and report domestic abuse among Lagos residents.
- To ascertain how social media have contributed to raising awareness of domestic violence among Lagos residents.
- ascertain the extent to which social media platforms can improve social and behavioral change intervention to prevent and address domestic violence?
- Identify the social media site that Lagos residents often use to report domestic violence.