ABSTRACT
In addition, the customary system of law, which governs the daily life of most women in Sub-Saharan Africa, and which defines the responsibilities, duties, obligations, and rights of men and women within the society in general, and the family in particular, subordinates women to the overall authority of male members of the household (Okereke, 2006). In a marital relationship, this subordination of women is underscored by the tradition of “bride price,” which reinforces the notion that a husband has purchased his wife, including her labor and sexuality (Von Struensee, 2005). Therefore, the problem of domestic violence in Sub-Saharan Africa is first, a gender issue (primarily affects women), and second, a human rights issue (women are subjugated to the authority of male members of the family and denied the right to decide for themselves). Given these realities, a discussion of the problem of domestic violence in the African context cannot be gender-neutral, nor can it be limited to violence between intimates. Such discussion must include all of those who exercise or are likely to exercise control over all female members of the household (Okereke, 2006).
