IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH (IJSSMR )

E-ISSN 2545-5303
P-ISSN 2695-2203
VOL. 11 NO. 6 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijssmr.vol.11no6.2025.pg107.120

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Risk And Protective Factors Associated with Gender-Based Violence Among Fisherfolks in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Asanwana, V A, Asa, U A and Bencourt, T M, s

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Abstract

The study assessed the risk and protective factors associated with gender-based violence (GBV) among fisherfolks in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the sociodemographic characteristics of fisherfolks, identified the types of GBV prevalent in the area, and assessed both risk and protective factors associated with GBV. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, using a combination of purposive and stratified sampling to select 216 participants from four Local Government Areas (LGAs) engaged in fishing activities. Data collection instruments included structured questionnaires and interviews, and data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that 50% of the participants were male and 50% were female. The majority of respondents were married (57.8%), and about 33.9% had secondary education. Several types of GBV were identified, including verbal, physical, sexual, economic, and emotional violence, with verbal abuse being the most commonly reported form. Risk factors such as economic instability, substance abuse, and patriarchal norms were found to exacerbate GBV, while protective factors like economic empowerment programs and legal frameworks helped mitigate violence. The study concluded that addressing the underlying socio- economic and cultural issues is critical to reducing GBV among fisherfolks in the region. Based on these findings, it was recommended that community-based economic empowerment and education programs be strengthened to reduce dependency and promote awareness of legal rights, particularly among women.

keywords:

Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Fisherfolks, Risk Factors, Protective Factors

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