COUNSELING SERVICES AND REDUCTION IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AMONG MARRIED CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Counseling services provides immediate crisis intention by helping victims access their current risk and develop personalized safety plans. This includes identifying safe exists; secure shelter and emergency contacts enabling them to leave abusive environment safely. The study examined counseling services and reduction in domestic violence among married women in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, one null hypothesis was posed to guide the study. Correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 11108 married Christian women from where 10% which is 1108 constituted the sample size. Stratified simple random and purposive sampling techniques were adopted for the selection of the respondents. The questionnaire was used to collect data. The instrument was validated by two experts in measurement and evaluation, University of Calabar. The data was analyzed using simple regression analysis. The result of the study revealed that provision of counseling services contribute to reduction in domestic violence among married Christian women in Cross River State. It was recommended among other things that Government and private bodies should build a regular and high capacity counseling service framework in communities to cater for the vulnerable and victims of domestic violence.