American International Journal of Social Science

Women Survivors’ Perceptions on Susceptibility Factors to Intimate Partner Violence
Kabaria Muriithi Joan, Ngige W. Lucy, Kimani N. Elishiba

Abstract
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a form of gender based violence that has become rampant with women being most vulnerable. This paper analyzes the perceptions of women survivors on their susceptibility to IPV with regard to individual and cultural underpinnings. The paper is premised on a study conducted in two shelter homes in Nairobi and Nakuru, Kenya. By employing a survey design, 230 respondents participated. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Quantitative analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while the qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The paper observes that individual and cultural factors contribute to the perpetuation of IPV. The paper demonstrates higher levels of education of the woman and comparatively lower levels of education of the man as well as differences in economic ability as significant predisposing factors to IPV. The authors recommend that stakeholders need to re-think IPV and focus on dealing with the root cause – power plays at the cultural level.

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