Abstract:
Violence against women in its various forms is endemic in communities around the world
cutting across class, age, religion and national boundaries. It is one of the most pervasive
human rights violations. It denies women equality, security, dignity, self-worth and their right
to enjoy fundamental freedoms. It destroys a woman’s sense of self, and undermines healthy
families and communities. Violence poses serious mental and physical health risks on the
victims. This has far-reaching consequences on the stability of the family, wellbeing of the
children and society by extension. Despite the consequences of violence, some women have
opted to stay in marriages in which violence exists. This study explored women’s perception
on marital violence and its influence on wives staying in violent marriages. It was conducted
in Kileleshwa and Kawangware locations within Nairobi County, Kenya. It was a descriptive
survey employing ex post facto causal comparative research design. The accessible
population constituted thirty two thousand seven hundred and thirty one (32731) women from
Kawangware location and fourteen thousand nine hundred and ninety five (14995) women
from Kileleshwa location. A sample of nine hundred and eighty (980) women was used in the
study. Purposive and systematic random sampling methods were used to select respondents
for the study. The validity and reliability of the instruments were determined before the
instruments were used to collect data. A Pilot study was carried out with a sample from Dik
Dik and Kongo areas in Nairobi. Cronbach’s alpha was used to establish the reliability of the
instruments. A reliability coefficient of 0.77 was obtained. Data were collected using
questionnaires, interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Data collected were analyzed using
descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of statistical package for social sciences
(SPSS) computer program. The study found out that psychological violence was the most
prevalent type of violence in Kileleshwa and Kawangware locations; that the women’s
perception on marital violence was negative and therefore the women did not think that
violence from a spouse is a crime against their rights; that lack of economic independence
was the major factor that contributes to women staying in violent marriages in the two
locations and that cultural practices and religion influences women’s perception on marital
violence. The researcher recommends that government and Non-Governmental Organizations
involve men in awareness campaigns and public education programs. This will help to
challenge misconceptions on marital violence. There is also need for creation of a strategy
aimed at perceptions and behavior change towards marital violence.
