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Abstract
This study examined Domestic Violence and Children’s Mental Health in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the growing concern over the rising cases of domestic violence and the increasing vulnerability of children who either directly experience abuse or witness violence within their homes. The study sought to examine the prevalence of domestic violence experienced by children, identify its major causes, assess its psychological and emotional effects on children’s mental health, evaluate the availability and effectiveness of support services, and determine the roles of social workers in addressing the problem. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised residents of selected communities within Oredo Local Government Area, including parents, caregivers, social workers, and children above the age of 12. A total of 100 respondents were selected using purposive and stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages with the aid of SPSS.
Findings revealed that domestic violence is highly prevalent in the study area, with many children experiencing physical and emotional abuse or witnessing violence between caregivers. Major causes identified include poverty, substance abuse, family conflict, poor communication, and cultural norms that tolerate violence. The study further found that exposure to domestic violence significantly affects children’s mental health, leading to anxiety, fear, aggression, low self-esteem, depression, and poor academic performance. Although some mental health and support services exist, they are limited in accessibility and effectiveness. Social workers were found to play important roles in prevention, counseling, advocacy, and rehabilitation, though constrained by inadequate resources. The study concluded that domestic violence poses serious psychological and developmental risks to children in Oredo Local Government Area. It recommended increased public awareness, strengthening of child-focused mental health services, improved policy enforcement, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to protect children and promote their mental wellbeing.
Findings revealed that domestic violence is highly prevalent in the study area, with many children experiencing physical and emotional abuse or witnessing violence between caregivers. Major causes identified include poverty, substance abuse, family conflict, poor communication, and cultural norms that tolerate violence. The study further found that exposure to domestic violence significantly affects children’s mental health, leading to anxiety, fear, aggression, low self-esteem, depression, and poor academic performance. Although some mental health and support services exist, they are limited in accessibility and effectiveness. Social workers were found to play important roles in prevention, counseling, advocacy, and rehabilitation, though constrained by inadequate resources. The study concluded that domestic violence poses serious psychological and developmental risks to children in Oredo Local Government Area. It recommended increased public awareness, strengthening of child-focused mental health services, improved policy enforcement, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to protect children and promote their mental wellbeing.
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