DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND FAMILY STABILITY IN AKWA IBOM STATE: A CASE STUDY OF UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to address the problem of domestic violence and its detrimental effects on family stability in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The research focused on understanding how domestic violence influences various aspects of family life. The main objective was to investigate the overall impact of domestic violence, with specific objectives including assessing its effects on family communication, mutual support between partners, children's academic performance, financial stability, and personality development of children. The study utilized Social Learning Theory and Feminist Theory to frame its analysis. A survey research design was employed, involving a sample of 300 respondents selected through purposive sampling and data collected via structured questionnaires. Findings revealed that domestic violence significantly disrupted family communication, diminished mutual support between partners, adversely impacted children's academic performance, contributed to financial instability, and negatively influenced children's personality development, leading to anxiety and low selfesteem. The study concluded that domestic violence poses a critical threat to family stability in the region. Recommendations based on these findings included the implementation of conflict resolution workshops by the government, establishment of couple counseling and support groups by NGOs, provision of academic support for children from violent homes, creation of financial literacy programs for victims, and advocacy for awareness campaigns focused on the impact of domestic violence on children’s development.