AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF NOLLYWOOD'S REPRESENTATION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: EVIDENCE FROM DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES

Domestic violence remains a persistent social problem in Nigeria, and Nollywood films frequently depict domesticviolence in ways that may shape audience perceptions and attitudes toward victims and perpetrators. To this end, thisstudy examined the perception of Nollywood’s portrayal of domestic violence among undergraduate students of DeltaState University, Abraka. The study was guided by three objectives: to determine the level of exposure ofundergraduates to Nollywood films depicting domestic violence, to examine students’ perceptions of these portrayals,and to assess whether such portrayals influence their attitudes toward victims and perpetrators. A descriptive surveyresearch design was adopted. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample of 393 students was drawn from a population of24,000, while 354 valid responses were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. Findings revealed highexposure to Nollywood films, with the majority of respondents having watched films depicting domestic violence.The portrayals were largely perceived as realistic and educative, although some respondents considered themexaggerated or offensive. The study further found that Nollywood portrayals increased empathy toward victims andstrengthened condemnation of perpetrators. The researchers conclude that Nollywood significantly influencesstudents’ perceptions and attitudes toward domestic violence and recommends more responsible and educativeportrayals in film production.