Coping strategies adopted by intimate partner violence survivors: A comprehensive analysis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Godlove Barikiel Matemba; Elizabeth Lulu  Genda; Moses January Ndunguru

doi:10.51867/ajernet.6.3.50

Authors

Godlove Barikiel Matemba
godmatemba@gmail.com
Tengeru Institute of Community Development (TICD), Tanzania https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9019-5851
Elizabeth Lulu Genda Mzumbe University, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7875-6421
Moses January Ndunguru Mzumbe University, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3034-4870

Keywords:

Coping Strategies, Intimate Partner, Intimate Partner Violence, Survivors, Violence

Abstract

Globally, 27% of ever-married women have experienced intimate partner violence at some point in their lives. In Tanzania, intimate partner violence is also an alarmingly prevalent problem affecting 39% of ever-married women aged 15–49 at some point in their lifetime. In the Dar es Salaam region, reports show increasing intimate partner homicides and divorce cases. This study, guided by Resilience Theory, analysed the coping strategies intimate partner survivors use to manage violent experiences at the household level in the Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data from 280 systematically sampled survivors were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data from two religious leaders, nine social welfare officials, and 34 intimate survivors were thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that separation (30%), escape avoidance (25%), and problem-solving (18%) were considered as effective coping strategies, while fighting back (15%) and self-control (12%) were regarded as unproductive ones. This challenges conventional ideas that equate resilience with confrontation or emotional suppression. Based on the findings, the study recommends prioritizing survivor-informed coping strategies and adopting inclusive, multi-sectorial, and tailored support interventions that involve the government, religious leaders, and non-governmental organizations.

Author Biographies

Elizabeth Lulu Genda, Mzumbe University, Tanzania

Elizabeth Lulu Genda is the Director of the Institute of Development Studies at Mzumbe University and an Associate Professor specialising in Demographic Trends and Gender Dynamics. She holds a PhD in Demography and a bachelor's degree in Education, with a focus on geography. Prof. Genda has extensive experience in development studies, particularly in gender and Population Dynamics. Her research interests encompass Population Dynamics, Gender Equity and Social Development. At Mzumbe University, she teaches courses in Gender Studies, Population Studies, Social Science Research Methods, and Governance for Development.

Moses January Ndunguru, Mzumbe University, Tanzania

Moses January Ndunguru is a Senior Lecturer in Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies, Mzumbe University. He holds a BA (Ed), and MSc. Urban Management and Development-Specializing in Urban Governance; and a PhD in Development Studies. He has published papers, book chapters, and research reports in development studies, governance and services delivery. His teaching areas include governance for development, development planning, development policy and practice analysis, managing urban and rural development, urban management, governance in projects and programmes, development studies, health insurance; education studies, and international relations. He has also attended several internal and international conferences and workshops.

Dimensions

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