Violence Against Women: An Examination of Men’s Attitudes and Perceptions About Wife Beating and Contraceptive Use

The objective of this study is to examine the attitudes and perceptions of men towards domestic violence and contraceptive use. Data for the study were obtained from a survey conducted between February and May 2003 in Osun and Ondo states of south west Nigeria. The study reveals that: (1) more than 80 per cent of men disapprove of a woman deciding to use contraceptives without consulting them; (2) a significant proportion of men view domestic violence as acceptable; (3) the results therefore signify serious problems concerning the role of men in reproductive issues, which the current efforts in family planning have not adequately addressed.