Kaufman, M.R. et al. (2019) ‘“We are responsible for the violence, and prevention is up to us”: A qualitative study of perceived risk factors for gender-based violence among Ethiopian university students’, BMC Women’s Health, 19(1).
The study began by portraying the prevailing challenges of gender-based and intimate partner violence against women in general and university students in particular. In the study, the authors shared facts about gender-based violence, quoting the 2005 World Health Organization Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence against Women, and indicated that 71% of female Ethiopians who have ever partnered had experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. The study also shed light on the consequences of violence, ranging from depression to the possibility of getting sexually transmitted diseases.
The study was conducted at two government universities. The study employed a qualitative approach. For the data collection instrument, the authors used in-depth interviews and FGDs. To this end, 70 in-depth interviews with female and male students; 3 FGDs consisting of 18 females, 19 males, and 19 faculty and staff, respectively; from two Ethiopian universities
The authors have presented their results in four themes. Firstly, experiences with GBV demonstrate harassment and intimidation, IPV, and sex exchange for grades. Females are frequently harassed on campus, including in public spaces like libraries. IPV is prevalent and occurs in the form of overt physical abuse, coerced sex, and controlling behavior. Students had sex in exchange for grades with faculty members. Secondly, perceived risk factors for victimization include the low social status of female students, traditional relationship dynamics, transactional sex, and substance use. Some female students are involved in a relationship for academic assistance, while the male partner expects sex in return. Females are at risk of violence since it makes having sex with a male partner mandatory. Female students engaged in a relationship with an outside campus partner for sex in transactions for financial gains. Female students were vulnerable to GBV due to substance use. Respondents reported recounting stories of female student rape that occurred after substance use. Thirdly, considering who is to blame, the result showed that female students’ behavior, dressing, and putting themselves in risky situations were to blame for the prevalence of GBV and IPV. Fourthly, victim support happens in two ways. Peer support is a primary choice for those experiencing GBV. Campus support services such as the gender office and campus police are supposed to prevent such things from happening. However, students don’t report for reasons such as the fact that the process takes longer, for fear of retaliation, and for fear of gossip among their peers.
Finally, the study recommends that there should be a recreational facility for students on campus. For those students with financial constraints, there should be financial support. Victims of GBV should be given psychological support.