Effects of domestic conflict and Gender based violence on family peace and stability in Namibia: The case study of Wanaheda Police Station

Abstract

Conflicts are inevitable and they arise due to differences among individuals' ideas, desires, perceptions and needs. Within families, conflict occurs as a relational disagreement, incompatibility, antagonistic state of opposition or dispute between two or more members of the family. This study focused on domestic conflict as relationship conflict within a family. Domestic conflict usually leads to gender-based violence which is a challenge in Namibia. Namibia is one of the countries in Africa with a high rate of gender-based violence. In 2019 alone, Namibia recorded 200 cases of domestic violence per month, a high figure considering the small population of the country. Its therefore, the scope of the study to assess the relationship between domestic conflict and gender based violence on family peace and stability in Namibia, focusing on the case of Wanaheda in Windhoek. The study adopted a qualitative approach utilizing a case study design to collect qualitative data by means of interviews from a sample of 10community leaders, 30, Victims and 14 police officers. The data was analyzed qualitatively and the findings are presented as descriptions, narratives and verbatim. The results of the study show that domestic conflict and gender-based violence are a result of socio-cultural factors of male dominance, alcohol abuse, and misunderstanding between partners, different family backgrounds and financial problems. The results also show that domestic conflict and gender-based violence mainly affect children and women in the families. Finally, it was concluded that domestic conflict and gender-based violence affect family peace and family instability leading to divorce and family disorganization. Considering the findings of the research, it was recommended that the Ministry of Gender and Child Welfare, the Law Enforcement Agencies, the Legislators and various Non-Governmental Organizations should consider empowering women socially and economically to reduce financial over-dependence on their male spouses, partners and husbands. Furthermore, it was recommended that communities must be educated on gender equality and such education can be incorporated in the school curriculum to sensitize and empower children from early age groups.