Browsing by Author "Stephen, Happines"

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    The role of information and communication in alleviating domestic violence among the Kurya of Tarime district, Mara region, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2007) Stephen, Happines
    This study examined domestic violence among the Kurya of Tarime District in Mara Region. Its underlying root causes, impacts, mechanisms used to tackle domestic violence and how the information needs of the victims of domestic violence can be met. The study was conducted in Tarime district, Mara region in Tarime and Susuni wards in four villages, Sabasaba, Buhemba, Kiongera and Kikomori. One hundred and forty respondents participated in this study. They were selected randomly. A combination of methods was used to collect data for this study including focus groups discussion, observation and questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. Findings revealed that information and communication could play a major role in pre empting domestic violence. Most perpetrators and victims of domestic violence experience multiple forms of abuse including verbal, physical, sexual, psychological, and financial abuse for years because they had accepted that abuse is normal. Lack of knowledge on human rights and alternative sources of income, poverty, fear, cultural practices, the high bride price and jealousy tend to intensify domestic violence in the area of study. In this case, there is a critical need for knowledge about domestic violence for both perpetrators and victims of abuse and the general public. Therefore it is recommended that, information, communication and education should be widely disseminated to break the cycle of abuse, to teach children and adults what abuse is and how to use dialogue in dealing with conflict in a constructive way. A wide variety of media should be used to disseminate information in rural areas including radio; newspapers, meetings, seminars and workshops are necessary. Shelters for domestic violence victims should be set up in every ward. Organisations, service agencies and the government should make an effort to reach the wider audience in the rural area when they are fighting against gender inequality and advocating human rights. Finally the area for future research is recommended.