Exposure to Parental Domestic Violence and Sexual Relationship of Married Women in Nigeria

Olufemi Adetutu, Obafemi Awolowo University
Adewale Adesina, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Temisola Oyelakin, Obafemi Awolowo University

Intimate partner violence has been documented to be responsible for poor maternal health outcomes. However, limited information exists on how exposure of women to parental domestic violence influences their marital sexual behaviour. Previous studies have failed to investigate intergenerational implications which exposure to parental domestic violence has on its witnesses. Hence this study examined the influence of exposure of women to parental violence on their marital sexual behaviour in Nigeria. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted. We used data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Data were extracted on experience of parental violence, socio-demographic characteristics and number of sexual partners of married women aged 15-49 years. This study examined relationship between women who experienced parental domestic violence and their marital sexual relationship. Findings showed that women who were exposed to parental sexual violence engaged in extramarital sexual affairs and did not use condom in their last sexual activity. Policies that promote positive sexual behaviour.