It's in Their Hands: Exploring the Causes of Intimate Partner Violence, a Case Study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract: The study is titled ”It’s in their hands” in order to show the responsibility various stakeholders have both in causing intimate partner violence (IPV) and its perpetuation as well as their importance for prevention efforts. IPV is a global issue affecting millions of women worldwide. The aim of this case study was to explore the causes of physical and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 key informants including partnered men and women, NGO representatives, researchers, government officials, religious leaders, policemen, and a hospital owner. Secondary data was collected from policy documents and NGO reports. An ecological model guided data collection and analysis, which sees violence as stemming from individual, relationship, community and societal levels. Individual level factors related to IPV were witnessing marital violence as a child and substance abuse. Relationship level factors were male decision-making power, marital conflict, jealousy, infidelity and barriers to leaving. Community level factors were unemployment and isolation of the woman and family. Societal level factors were rigid gender roles, notions of masculinity linked to dominance, a sense of ownership of women, violence being condoned, acceptance of physical chastisement of women, lack of knowledge of laws and IPV not being a political priority. The findings of this study point to the need of multi-sectoral approaches in prevention efforts. It’s in the hands of all the stakeholders to prevent intimate partner violence in Tanzania.