The Spectrum of Intimate Partner Violence against Women in Nigeria: Examining Regional Disparities Using a National Representative Survey

Ayo Adebowale, University of Ibadan
Adeniyi Fagbamigbe
Martin Palamuleni, North West University
Olufunmilayo Fawole, University of Ibadan

We examined the relationship between the region of residence and the spectrum of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Nigeria. This quantitative research utilized nationally representative data. The IPV spectrum includes sexual violence, emotional violence, less severe violence, and severe violence. Data were analyzed using logistic and generalized linear regression models (a0.05). IPV prevalence was 35.9% in Nigeria and it was: South-East (48.3%), North-Central (47.4%), North-East (47.3%), South-South (46.5%), North-West (27.0%), and South-West (19.8%). The likelihood of sexual, emotional, and severe IPV was higher in the North-Central, North-East, North-West, South-East, and South-South than South-West. The common predictors across all the spectrums of IPV include region, education, husband/partner drinking alcohol, and childhood experience of parental violence. The level of IPV and its spectrum is high in Nigeria, but prominent disparities exist between the regions with North-East and South-East mostly affected. Regional-specific programs that aim to mitigate IPV in Nigeria are strongly solicited.