Socio-cultural factors that predispose women to victimisation in family matters

Abstract

Victimisation of women is a global occurrence, which comes with a host of consequences for women and the entire family system, especially in Nigeria, where the patriarchal tradition gives much priority and authority to men at the expense of women. This study examined the sociocultural factors that make women prone to victimisation in family issues that affect them. Based on the qualitative research design, an indepth-interview guide was used to garner data from fourteen married tutorial and non-tutorial staff of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Campus, who comprised seven males and seven females aged between 30-60 years old. Data were analysed with NVivo 12 software, and findings showed that culture, educational status, and low self-esteem are the factors that cause victimisation; Psychological problems and family instability are the resultant effects, while legislation, giving women equal access to resources and mass reorientation of the society about women’s rights are the possible remedies. The study concluded by recommending that women should seek professional social work and medical support in extreme cases of victimisation and that the law should adequately enforce the rights and privileges of women.