Highness or Abusiveness: Exploring Alcohol and Intimate Partner Violence Dynamics in Nigeria

Abstract

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains a pervasive social issue in Nigeria with a complex interplay of cultural, social, and individual factors contributing to its prevalence. One notable factor is the significant association between alcohol consumption and IPV, which poses a challenge to understanding and addressing this multifaceted problem. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and IPV in Nigeria, by seeking to interrogate the underlying mechanisms through theoretical frameworks and literature evidence. The study argues that alcohol consumption acts as a catalyst for IPV in Nigeria, influencing individual behaviours and interacting with societal norms. Deviance Disavowal Theory was adopted to offer a nuanced perspective on cultural dynamics at play. A systematic literature review was conducted integrating studies that explored the link between alcohol consumption and IPV in Nigeria. To ensure thorough coverage of relevant literature, different electronic sources, such as PubMed, Scopus, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar, and manual searches of references from selected studies were used. An examination of the literature revealed a relationship between alcohol consumption and IPV in Nigeria. Deviance Disavowal Theory highlights the cultural dynamics that permit alcohol as an excuse for deviant actions. This study underscores the urgency of adopting comprehensive intervention strategies that address not only individual behaviours, but also societal norms and cultural beliefs. Recommendations include targeted public health campaigns, legal reforms to strengthen enforcement against IPV, and the integration of alcohol abuse treatment into support programs.