Men’s Attitudes Towards Intimate Partner Violence in Kenya

• In Event: Gender Based Violence

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is prevalent throughout the world. Although the state of knowledge on all facets of the problem is gaining ground in sub-Saharan African communities, the evidence base remains considerably limited, especially when compared to the need for up-to-date information on which effective interventions and policy can be based. Although large-scale population-based survey data on the magnitude of and attitudes toward GBV are available, most of the research has focused on intimate partner violence (IPV), especially on women’s reports. This study examines men’s experiences of IPV based on data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2008-09 KDHS) and compares never married and currently married men’s responses to a five-scenario question for which men believe IPV would be justified. Our sample consists of currently married and never married men. Descriptive and multivariate analyses will be conducted to determine key determinants of IPV. A five-scenario question for which IPV would be justified will be used to compare never married and currently married men’s responses.

Authors

• Sitawa Kimuna, East Carolina University

• Eric Y. Tenkorang, Memorial University of Newfoundland