Socio-Ecological Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence Among Nigeria-Based Canadians: A Comparative Analysis

• In Event: International Perspectives on the Social Context and Determinants of Gender-Based Violence

Abstract

Intimate partner violence is a critical global public health concern that disproportionately affects women, with significant variations across cultural and geographical contexts. This study argues that IPV is more prevalent in the Global South (e.g., Nigeria) compared to the Global North (e.g., Canada) due to differing socio-ecological determinants. Despite the growing scholarship on IPV, gaps remain in understanding the nuanced socio-ecological determinants that drive IPV in different cultural contexts. This study explores the socio-ecological determinants of IPV through the perceptions of Nigerians residing in Canada. Utilizing semi-structured interviews, the study examines participants’ reflections on IPV in both Nigerian and Canadian contexts. Preliminary findings reveal that socio-economic instability, lawlessness, and patriarchal norms intensify IPV in Nigeria, whereas structural differences in Canada reduce its prevalence. Participants reported that transitioning to Canada shifts IPV determinants from ecological pressures to individual and relational factors. This study provides valuable insights into the socio-ecological determinants that shape IPV across cultural settings and underscores the importance of addressing root causes in Nigeria while supporting immigrant communities in Canada. The study hopes to contribute to human rights initiatives and global public health strategies by offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, social workers, and public health practitioners to combat IPV effectively.

Author

• Ismail Ayatullah Nasirudeen, University of Alberta