GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AGAINST PERSONS WITH DISABILITY IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigates gender-based violence (GBV) against women with physical disabilities in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, using a research methodology grounded in the Social Model of Disability and Feminist Theory. The chapter outlines the research design, population, sampling strategy, research instrument, methods of data collection and analysis, as well as ethical considerations and limitations. The methodology was carefully designed to ensure validity, reliability, and contextual relevance, with emphasis on the intersection of disability and gender in shaping experiences of GBV. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, enabling the collection of data at a single point in time to examine the prevalence, forms, and determinants of GBV without manipulating the study environment.. This design provided a cost-effective and efficient means of capturing both descriptive and correlational data within a sensitive and localized context. The target population included women aged 18years and above with physical disabilities in Oredo, estimated at approximately 125 based on data from the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and community health records. Stratified random sampling was adopted to ensure representation across age categories and types of physical disabilities, thereby reflecting the intersectional vulnerabilities emphasized in Feminist Theory. The study’s sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula, resulting in approximately 100 respondents to account for potential non-responses. Data was collected using the Women’s Safety and Support Questionnaire (WSSQ), a structured and culturally sensitive instrument developed to measure GBV prevalence, socioeconomic vulnerabilities, mental health impacts, and coping strategies. The instrument incorporated standardized items from validated tools such as the WHO Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence, complemented by open-ended questions for qualitative insights. Accessibility considerations included large-print versions and provisions for oral administration. Validity and reliability were ensured through expert consultation, alignment with established instruments, and a pilot test with 10 respondents. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of ≥0.7 confirmed internal consistency. Data collection was carried out by trained assistants using in-person and online administration, with sensitivity training provided to address disability inclusion and GBV-related issues. Data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS, alongside thematic analysis for qualitative responses.