DEPARTMENT OF SOCIALWORK

This study focuses on assessment of the psychological effect of child abuse in Benin City, Edo State. This study adopted the survey design through which data were collected from a sample of 100 respondents. The data was analyse using simple percentage technique. The result shows that there is relationship between child abuse and psychological development problem in children and it also revealed that child abuse influences children psychological health related problems during adolescent and adulthood. The study recommended that parents and all relevant stakeholders as well as care givers should be careful about their interactions with children. They need to use empirically-driven behavioural modification techniques that are proven to positively shape behaviour. Physical abuse (e.g. spanking) and psychological “torture” for example ridicule of children should avoided, shaping and other effective methods of changing behavior should be adopted. Child and Social Protection in Edo State should takeproactive measures to control the incidence of physical and psychological child abuse in Edo. The Government should establish functional legal policies that can be used to reduce or prevent physical child abuse; educate the people, affective training, as well as attitudinal change may be effective control measures against psychological child abuse.

This study examines impact of domestic violence against women in Egor local government area, Benin City, Edo state in conducting the study, a sample size of one hundred and fifty (150) respondents were randomly selected from the population. The survey design was adopted for this study. To collect the needed data and information, a questionnaire was designed in line with the research questions. The method of data collection included the questionnaire, in-depth interview and secondary records which essentially included documents relating to the impact of unemployment on youth restiveness. Data were analyzed by means of tables, frequency distribution and percentages. From the findings, it was revealed that inequality (superiority of male sex over females) is a cause of domestic violence. Also, it was revealed that domestic violence against women reduces the participation of women in the society. It was revealed that stereotyping (preference and dominance of the male sex over the female sex) which is present in some culture is a reason which exposes women to domestic violence while 62% of the respondents did not provide an answer to this question. Also, it was revealed that violence has a socio-economic impact on the women in Egor. From the findings, it was concludes that domestic violence is prevalent in various nations at an alarming rate. Women are the sufferers and are subjected to physical, psychological and sexual abuse in their home by partners, in-laws and in some circumstances by their brothers and parents. The study therefore made the following recommendations that There is a need of recognition at the national level of the issue and consistent follow -up should be made mandatory. There should be enough educational programs in all societies and cultures, both for women and men at the same levels. There should be enough opportunities of employments and participation in political parties along with security and safety for women and the seat allocation for recruitments of both genders should be considered on equality grounds. More funds should be allocated to women's development in the country. Government should to make sure that women have enough access to reach any political opportunity and there should be a training programme available for their capacity building on politics. There is also a need of reforms in the police departments and judicial processes which place constraints on women from accessing justice. Women police should be trained to deal with women facing domestic violence so that women could feel safe and protected.