Determinants, Disclosure, and Help-Seeking Behaviour in Domestic Violence: A Comparative Study of Women in Rural and Urban Settings in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background
Domestic violence (DV) against women remains a pervasive public health problem worldwide. Disclosure and help-seeking behaviours are critical pathways for accessing support and protection, yet they remain poorly understood in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. This study examined the determinants, disclosure patterns, and help-seeking behaviours related to DV among women in rural and urban settings.
Methods
A comparative cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in Nnewi North (urban) and Anaocha (rural) Local Government Areas. A total of 588 women aged 18 years and older were recruited. In addition, 20 survivors who disclosed DV during the survey were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression while qualitative data were thematically analysed.
Results
The mean age of respondents was 31.88 ± 10.1 years, with the majority aged 20–29 years (35.4%), married (67%), and self-employed (56.3%). Key determinants of DV included alcohol and substance abuse by partners (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.03–2.04), economic hardship (aOR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47–0.92), and educational disparity between partners (aOR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.18–2.62). Economic hardship was more significant in rural areas, whereas alcohol and substance abuse were more prevalent in urban areas. Overall disclosure rates were below 50%, with survivors primarily confiding in parents or siblings (28.4%) and in-laws (17.9%), while disclosure to healthcare providers was rare, particularly among urban women. Help-seeking prevalence was 42.2% among rural women and 38.1% among urban women, with emotional support being the most commonly received form and legal support the least accessed.
Conclusion
Domestic violence against women in Anambra State is influenced by partner-related, socioeconomic, and educational factors, with low disclosure and limited help-seeking observed across rural and urban settings. Interventions should promote safe disclosure, strengthen formal support systems, and address contextual determinants to improve the protection and well-being of survivors.