Challenges on the Prevalence of Violence Against Predictors of Domestic Abuse in Abuja Federal Capital Territory

Abstract

Prevalence of domestic violence remains a pervasive yet under-reported public health and human rights challenge globally, with domestic workers constituting one of the most vulnerable occupational groups. This study examined the prevalence of domestic violence against domestic (house) workers in Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to determine the prevalence rate and identify the predominant forms of domestic violence experienced by domestic workers, and to examine the socio-economic and occupational risk factors that contribute to their vulnerability. The study adopted a mixed-methods survey design, integrating quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires administered to 349 domestic workers across selected wards in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) with qualitative data obtained through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with health professionals, house workers, and community stakeholders. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that domestic violence is widespread among house workers in Abuja FCT, with 69.3% of respondents reporting that they had experienced one or more forms of abuse from their employers, despite 92.0% being aware of the concept of domestic violence. Emotional abuse (69.4%) was the most prevalent form, followed by physical abuse (59.9%), psychological abuse (53.7%), and sexual abuse (16.1%). Financial and economic pressure (52.7%) was identified as the leading cause of violence, followed by poor communication (25.2%) and lack of empathy (21.8%). The study further established that gender and age significantly influence vulnerability, with female and younger house workers disproportionately affected. Although 40.7% of respondents were aware of legal protections, 62.0% of those aware lacked confidence in their effectiveness, while 77.6% attributed victims' reluctance to leave abusive employers to the perceived impunity of perpetrators. The study recommends that government and civil society organisations establish dedicated support systems including emergency shelters, micro-grants, and confidential reporting hotlines for abused domestic workers. It further recommends the enforcement of standardised, legally binding employment contracts, mandatory pre-employment orientation for both employers and workers, and the strengthening of labour inspection mechanisms to ensure accountability and deter abuse.