The Prevalence of Domestic Violence Among Adolescents Attending Selected Secondary Schools in Kajiado County, Kenya

Odero, A.M, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Candidate; Njeru, M.K, Ph.D., Daystar University; & Nyagwencha, S. K., Ph.D. United States International University – Africa

This study sought to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence meted out on adolescents, in two selected schools in Kajiado County Kenya. A total of 103 adolescents aged between 13-18 years from two schools in Kajiado County, Kenya were purposively selected based on age. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was employed to collect data on the forms of domestic violence that the respondents had experienced. A self-report social demographic questionnaire was administered, and data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. The overall prevalence of domestic violence in both schools was very high 93 (90.3%) with both schools showing statistically similar prevalence rates (p=.408). The prevalence of other forms of abuse included parents separated (n=50;53.8%); been touched sex organs (n=14; 15.1%); forced to touch others sex organs (n=7;7.5%); forced to sexual intercourse (n=13;14.0%), had unwanted sex (n=8;8.6%), physical abuse (n=46; 49.5%); verbal abuse (n=60; 64.5%); Other abuse (n=27; 29.0%.). Some respondents had experienced multiple forms of abuse as; 1-3 forms (n=63; 67.7%), 4-5 forms (n= 20; 21.5%) and more than 6 forms (n= 10; 10.8%). The females had higher prevalence of domestic violence (n=60;64.5%) compared to males (n=33;35.5%) and the older adolescents (15-18 years) had higher prevalence rates of domestic violence (15-16 year old: n=55;59.1%, 17-18 year old: n=29;31.2%) compared to the younger adolescents (13-14 year old: n=9;9.7%). It is necessary to institute mental health programs in schools to cater for the needs of students who have experienced domestic violence. Furthermore, parenting education is required in communities to promote good parenting practices.

Key words: Children and Adolescents, Domestic violence, Kajiado County