Domestic Violence in Rwanda And Its Effects on Family Stability A Case Study of Spousal Homicides
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Date
2011-10
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Kampala International University, Colleges of humanities and social sciences
Abstract
The thesis is entitled “Domestic violence in Rwanda and its effects on family
stability, a case study of spousal homicides. Domestic violence continues to be a
problem in Rwanda despite measures taken by the government, Non Governmental
Organisations and individuals to end it. The study is about establishing forms, causes
artd effects of domestic violence on family stability, The specific goals of this research
were to provide insights into the issue by determining the different forms and causes of
domestic violence in Rwanda.
Along this study, a particular accent has been put on spousal homicides. The
reader of this study will find a response on why men kill their wives and why women kill
their husbands. The target population has been selected randomly with purposively
sampling. This research has been carried out with the participation of 312 married
persons (166 women and 146 men) who are still living with their partners. The results
from this research have indicated the presence of domestic violence under the forms of
sexual, psychological, economic and physical abuse which culminate with the killing of a
partner. Women are more victims than men.
Six factors are advanced by our respondents as reasons that motivate the killing
of a partner. Those causal factors are sexual jealousy which goes together with adultery
or sexual infidelity; misunderstanding on family resources and property management;
believes in traditional practices and religions; abusing drogue and alcohol; killing as a
self-defence or as a response to abusive behaviours and wrong interpretation of gender
equality. The list is long, but these are the major causal factors. Moreover, this study
has outlined methods of death used in spousal homicides in Rwanda. Machetes, hatchet
sticks and hoe handle are used for the majority of spousal homicides. Poison is also
used because it kills slowly and no suspicion of the killer. The valuable solution to
spousal homicides in particular and domestic violence in general request the necessity
of making changes both at individual and societal level.
Description
A research Thesis Presented to the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research Kampala International University Kampala, Uganda In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts in conflict resolution and peace building.
Keywords
Domestic Violence, Effects, Family, Rwanda