Daily Experiences of Married Women Regarding Domestic Violence in the Commune of Matete, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Introduction: Domestic violence can take several forms: physical, sexual, psychological or economic. It occurs between partners or former partners in an intimate relationship, regardless of whether the perpetrator shares or has shared the same home as the victim. The aim was to understand the daily experience of married women in the city and province of Kinshasa, whether they experience violence within couples. Methods: This study falls into the field of public health, more precisely it deals with the protection of women's rights. It is a qualitative study, approached in its phenomenological approach. The target population is made up of married women attending the Matete New Alliance Hospital Center whose sample size is 11. It was determined after collecting the data, the redundancy of which was observed at the 10th head of household. Results: the marriage of a violent partner represents a stumbling block for women and an obstacle to women's emancipation; In their union sexual violence, physical violence or torture, deprivation of financial means (financial violence); They encountered consequences such as gastritis, tension disorders, neurosis. As for coping strategies in the face of violence: the women interviewed resort to spiritual support by relying on God, dialogue with their partner, entertainment and asking friends for advice. As for expectations, women want the Congolese State to create schools for the re-education of husbands and for educators (parents and churches) to give advice to young people before marriage. Conclusion: It is important for the Congolese State, families, schools and churches to establish/reinforce the notion of initiating men to good behavior in marriage.