EFFECTIVENESS OF PARENTING EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN REDUCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AMONG PARENTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OJO AREA OF LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Domestic violence among couples is a pervasive issue that affects individuals, families, and society as a whole. It encompasses physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse, creating long-term adverse effects on victims and their dependents. The consequences of domestic violence extend beyond the couple involved, often influencing children who witness such abuse. Exposure to domestic violence can shape a child’s behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and perception of relationships, potentially leading to a cycle of violence across generations. Domestic violence among parents of secondary school students presents significant social and psychological challenges, impacting both parents and their children. This study examines the effectiveness of parenting education programs in reducing instances of domestic violence among this demographic. This study adopted a quantitative research design and purposive sampling technique to survey 63 parents who participated in a structured parenting education programme across several secondary schools. Data was collected through a post-intervention questionnaire entitled “Parenting education and domestic violence”, measuring changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to domestic violence. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse and test the hypothesis formulated using an independent t-test. It was found that the parenting education was effective, as the participants reported an improved spousal relationship. Recommendations were made based on the findings.