Key Social Norms Take-aways This study reveals how deeply rooted patriarchal and cultural norms in Nigeria contribute to intimate partner violence (IPV). Women are expected to be submissive, defer to husbands and in-laws, and endure abuse for the sake of family honor and children. These norms discourage help-seeking and normalize suffering. Effective prevention must directly challenge gender norms, expand legal protections, and promote community education about women’s rights.
Objectives To explore women’s attitudes and societal norms supporting IPV in Nigeria, understand causes and consequences, identify coping strategies, and gather community-informed suggestions for prevention.
Methods Researchers conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) with 56 women aged 15–49 from rural and urban communities in Oyo State. Discussions, conducted in Yoruba and thematically analyzed, focused on IPV experiences, norms, consequences, and prevention.
Results Women reported experiencing physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and controlling behavior. Common triggers for IPV included women earning more than their partners, refusing sex, or disobeying household rules. Social norms reinforced expectations that women must submit to their husbands and in-laws, and avoid challenging male authority. While most women viewed IPV as wrong, some believed it was justified in cases of infidelity or disobedience. The consequences of IPV ranged from emotional trauma to physical and reproductive health issues. Many women remained in abusive relationships due to stigma, fear, lack of support, or concern for their children.
Conclusions IPV is a pervasive public health and human rights issue in Nigeria. While women recognize its harms, social norms and lack of support systems make it difficult to escape abuse. Prevention must include legal reforms, community-based interventions, and culturally sensitive efforts to shift beliefs about gender, power, and marital roles.