INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV) AND POSITIVE LIFE OUTCOMES: NARRATIVES AND EMERGING TRENDS IN IBADAN, SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major social problem that is widely dispersed geographically and seen as an aberration of expected behaviours. Empirical documentation of IPV has reported its negative effect on the female gender which is psychological and physical on their health. Also, IPV has been documented as a constraint against female gender achievement and development. This constraint is entrenched in a patriarchal society where male dominance is the ideology inculcated in individuals irrespective of their gender. However, this study investigated IPV in the context of female gender emancipation and empowerment, which has a dearth of knowledge in empirical studies. Structural Functionalism and Social Action Theories aided the theoretical framework. This was a cross-sectional study that utilized both exploratory and case study as methods for data collection. The selection of respondents was done through snowballing of victims who have liberated themselves from their IPV lived experiences and demonstrated positive life outcomes. In all, nine case studies were researched. Thematic and content analysis were used to analyse the qualitative data. This work emphasized the views of IPV is socially constructed and this has implications for the interpretation given to it by the social actors either as a source of strength or weakness in their pursuit of achievement and development. Also, social institutions are impactful in the actualization of these outcomes. Based on findings, the patriarchal nature of the Traditional African Societies seems to be under stress of its conservatism in modern times as indicated in the experiences of the abused women who have been able to re-channel their life course.   Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence, Social Institutions, Female Gender, Life Outcomes, Nigeria