Domestic Violence against Women: The Impact of Forced-Motherhood Choices on Children in Ondo State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to investigate the forms, prevalence, and effects of domestic violence on women and children in Ondo State, Nigeria, with emphasis on how forced-motherhood impacts children’s psychological, emotional, and behavioral well-being. A descriptive survey design was employed, and the population comprised women who had experienced domestic violence. A sample of 200 respondents was selected using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured instrument titled Domestic Violence and Forced-motherhood Questionnaire (DVFMQ). The instrument’s validity was ensured through expert review, and its reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.84. The questionnaire was administered with the help of trained assistants to ensure accurate responses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, mean scores, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that women in Ondo State experience multiple and overlapping forms of abuse verbal, physical, sexual, and economic with verbal and emotional abuse being most prevalent. Domestic violence was found to significantly undermine women’s reproductive autonomy, and children born from such forced-motherhood situations showed signs of anxiety, depression, aggression, and social withdrawal. Most victims relied on informal coping strategies such as family support and spirituality, while formal reporting remained low. The study recommends integrated psychosocial support, stronger enforcement of protective laws, community sensitization, and improved institutional trust to better support affected women and children.