Gender Differences in Children’s Exposure to Domestic Violence in Nigeria

Asagba, Rachel Bolaji; Noibi, Oluwaseun Weyinmi; Ogueji, Ifeanyichukwu Anthony

Children’s exposure to domestic violence (DV) remains an understudied problem in African society at present, particularly in Nigeria. This study examined gender differences in children’s exposure to domestic violence based on identified gaps in the literature. Through a cross-sectional research design, data were gathered from 280 Nigerian children with a mean age of 14.14 ± 2.36. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. The independent sample t-test was utilized for hypothesis testing, with statistical significance set at p < .05. Although female participants scored a slightly higher mean score, there was no significant gender difference in children’s exposure to domestic violence [t (278) = .67; p > .05]. The authors conclude that there was no statistically significant gender difference in children’s exposure to domestic violence; however, this research informs further exploration into other variables that may affect children’s exposure to domestic violence.