Dynamism of Domestic Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

This book explores the changing nature of domestic violence in contemporary society, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Moving beyond conventional understandings of intimate partner violence, it considers a broader pattern of abusive behaviour that affects individuals, families, and communities across diverse social contexts. As an interdisciplinary analysis of the impact of cultural norms, religious beliefs, gender expectations, and social structures, it highlights the complex and evolving forms of abuse, including violence within intimate relationships, parent-child and sibling relationships, and wider networks of family and community members. Emerging challenges are also reviewed, such as male victims of domestic violence, femicide, violence against persons with disabilities, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Bringing together contributions from scholars across different cultural and disciplinary backgrounds, this volume illuminates the diverse ways domestic violence is experienced and understood across societies.

It will be of interest to researchers, students, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates working in the fields of criminology, sociology, gender studies, social work, and African studies.

Tolulope Adeogun  earned her PhD in Political Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is a Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Race, Gender and Class, at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Dorcas Ettang is Professor at the International Centre of Nonviolence, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

Dr Litlhare Rabele works with civil society organisations on gender and governance.

Abidemi Abiola Isola (PhD) is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Babcock University, Nigeria.

Omololu Fagbadebo is Professor in the Department of Public Management, Law and Economics, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.