THE EFFECTS OF SPOUSAL VIOLENCE ON SPOUSES DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS OF BENUE STATE

Abstract

One of the significant social issues affecting families recently is spousalviolence (SV). Lockdowns are noted to have triggered spousal violence globally at an alarmingrate. This study examined the rate of spousal violence during the COVID-19 lockdown inMakurdi metropolis, assessed the effects of COVID-19 lockdown and spousal violence amonghouseholds in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State, Nigeria and suggested ways on howhousehold members can mitigate spousal violence. The study was anchored on Anomie’. Across-sectional survey research design was employed for this study. The study population wascomprised of members of households, specifically adult males and females aged 18 and above,married, and residents of Makurdi Metropolis. The sample size of this study was determinedusing Cochran’s (1977) formula. Questionnaire and key informant interview methods wereused for data collection, and data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Thestudy’s findings revealed that the COVID-19 lockdown created a breeding ground for spousalviolence during the lockdown period. Findings further revealed that the rate of spousal violenceduring COVID-19 increased. The effects of spousal violence were social, psychological,economic and physical. The study concluded that spousal violence has impacted negatively onthe wellbeing of spousal relationships. The study, therefore, recommended that counsellorsshould encourage spouses to have a mutual understanding among them in order to foster familyunity and progress. Awareness or sensitisation should be made public so that victims of spousalviolence can easily access services on physical assault.