Department of Theatre and Cultural Studies

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Browsing Department of Theatre and Cultural Studies by Author "Akwani, Jane Ebere"

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    PARTICIPATORY COMMUNICATION AS AN APPROACH IN RESOLUTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL, ABUJA
    (DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND CULTURAL STUDIES, FACULTY OF ARTS, NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY KEFFI, 2021-07-05) Akwani, Jane Ebere
    The rising cases of domestic violence being reported in the public media has become a source of concern to society. We have been inundated daily with reports of wife battering, child abuses and molestation, rape and sexual harassment, acid attack, parental negligence and now killings of spouses and children at the slightest provocation. All these culminated into what is today known as domestic violence. The study also found that patriarchy permeates the consciousness of young male adults thereby leading to an almost conscious perception of superiority. This in turn leads to acceptance of violence as a corrective for the inferior gender. The processes used for addressing issues of domestic violence in our society, especially the fonnal court processes have resulted in delay in the dispensation of justice. Hence, the need for a participatory modelled Alternative Dispute Resolution-ADR that would aid in addressing the challenge becomes necessary. The study was aimed at establishing that Alternative Dispute Resolution approaches could significantly help in addressing issues of domestic violence at Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This study collected quantitative data from 385 respondents from the area and qualitative information from 4 Key Informants using structured instruments namely the questionnaire and interview guide. From the analysis, the study revealed that Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials achieve a significant level of citizen participation. This is especially so at the Placation level of participation where citizens collaborate with government in creating awareness on issues. Thus, the study recommended that Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms be adopted in resolving domestic violence. The mechanisms should be those that delegate and give citizens participation and control of the communication processes. In addition, a paradigm shift should be engendered to reorient the culture and tradition of patriarchy. ADR mechanism such as mediation, negotiation and conciliation should be sustained as the first line of conflict management and resolution with regards to issues of domestic violence.