THE EFFECT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY, OBIO AKPA CAMPUS

ABSTRACTS There are many cases of domestic violence reported in Obio Akpa Campus. Most often victims of this domestic violence face physical and mental damages. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of domestic violence on undergraduate students of Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus. To achieve this purpose, the following four specific objectives were formulated to guide the research. The study made used of qualitative research method. In this case data were obtained from primary sources such as interviews conducted on students who were victims of domestic violence while under the secondary sources which included textbooks, internet materials, newspapers and magazine were consulted. Based on the findings of the study, it was discovered that the level of domestic violence among undergraduate students in Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa Campus with the above, polygamy, socio-economic factors, disobedience, family interference, poverty, marital conflicts, are among the common causes of domestic violence, and that domestic violence results in depression, fear, self isolation, health challenges, physical injuries, mental stress, poor academic performance and even school dropouts. It was recommended among others that, stakeholders in family support programmes should organize seminars and workshop to create awareness on the dangers domestic violence on students and to educate parents and guardians on the need to avoid domestic violence. Also, policy makers should as a matter of urgency create laws aim at prohibiting domestic violence and punishment should clearly spelt out for perpetrators of domestic violence.