Thesis (MSC) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Social Work Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 61-66)

ABSTRACT
This thesis examines domestic violence against women in the Western Region of
Sierra Leone. The prevalence of domestic violence and the effects of physical and
sexual violence against women are used as dependent variables. A questionnaire is
used to collect data from 399 respondents in the western region of Sierra Leone, aged
20 to 44. Percentage and frequency are used to analyze the demographic and
prevalence data, while frequency and mean are used to analyze the effects of physical
and sexual abuse against women in the western region of Sierra Leone. Linear
regression analysis is utilized to test the null hypotheses. The findings reveal that
physical and sexual violence against women is highly evident in the Western Region
of Sierra Leone. Physical violence most times affects the well-being of women, and
while sexual abuse sometimes affects the health of women. Lastly, the null hypotheses
were all rejected, indicating that, there is a strong relationship between the physical
and sexual violence and the well-being of women in the Western Region of Sierra
Leone. Increased effort is needed from (government, NGOs, social workers, victims,
perpetrators, family members, religious leaders and the community) to eradicate or
mitigate the prevalence and effects of domestic violence against women in the Western
Region of Sierra Leone and beyond.
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Effects, Frequency, Prevalence, Physical, Sexual,
Western Region.