Theories of Domestic Violence in the African Context

This article examines theories of domestic violence against women in the Anglophone African context, noting the varying explanations of the causes of domestic violence and prescribed solutions. The author begins by describing these theories, noting that a number of them combine feminist explanations with suggestions for liberal democratic legal reforms and human rights theory. She also explores theories that are rooted in "cultural" or social explanations particular to the African context and history. She concludes that no single grand theory is capable of explaining domestic violence against women in Africa; rather, violence against women is multi-causal and must be addressed on numerous fronts. [Descriptors: Violence Against Women, International - Africa]