DIRE DAWA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF LAW

FIFTHY YEAR STUDENT TERM PAPER

TITLE: DOMESTIC VIOLENECE AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTOMES AMONG

WOMEN IN ETHIOPIA

NAME: ID

MESUD GEMECHU…………………........................1203164

ELENI YOSEPH………………………………………

Submission date; 15 November,

2023

Submitted to:
Abstract
This legal term paper explores the domestic violence and mental health outcomes among women in Ethiopia.
Domestic violence is a prevalent issue that affects millions of women worldwide, and Ethiopia is no exception.
The study utilizes a comprehensive review of existing literature, including articles, reports, to analyse the
various forms of domestic violence prevalent in Ethiopia and their detrimental effects on women's mental
health. thus, the paper discusses the legal framework and policies in Ethiopia concerning domestic violence,
including the Domestic Violence and other relevant laws. It evaluates these legal measures in addressing the
issue and protecting women's rights. Moreover, the study examines the relationship between domestic violence
and mental health outcomes among women in Ethiopia and found that; in Ethiopia violence exposed many
women to mental health problem not limited to but including, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), and other related mental health disorders. The study also found t adverse effect of mental
problem on women itself, society, family. Moreover, the study explored the challenges hat hinder protection of
women from Domestic violence and its mental health problem. Finally, based on finding of study the research
forward possible solutions to solve the problem
1.Background
Domestic violence and its impact on mental health is a critical issue affecting women
globally. In Ethiopia, like in many countries, women face significant challenges stemming
from gender-based violence within intimate relationships. 1 Ethiopia, a country with a vibrant
cultural heritage and diverse population, grapples with the multifaceted issue of domestic
violence within intimate relationships. Domestic violence encompasses various forms of
abusive behaviours, such as physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse, exerted
by a partner or family member. 2 The prevalence of domestic violence in Ethiopia is a matter
of concern, with reports indicating alarmingly high rates across urban and rural areas.

At the same time, the mental health consequences experienced by women who endure
domestic violence significantly contribute to their overall well-being. Mental health outcomes
associated with domestic violence faced by women in Ethiopia include depression, anxiety,
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), low self-esteem, substance abuse, and suicidal
tendencies. These psychological and emotional challenges impact not only the affected
individuals but also their families, communities, and broader societal structures.

Despite this, legal framework in Ethiopia recognizes the importance of protecting women's
rights and preventing domestic violence. The Constitution of the Federal Democratic

1
World Health organization (In Foot note 10)
2
R. Kaur, S. Garg, “Addressing domestic violence against women: an unfinished agenda,” Indian Journal of
Community Medicine, (April,2008).33(2), 73- 76
Republic of Ethiopia includes provisions that uphold gender equality, dignity, and protection
from violence. Additionally, Ethiopia has ratified several international instruments, including
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW), which oblige the state to take appropriate measures to prevent and address
domestic violence.
Despite legal provisions in place, challenges persist in effectively addressing domestic
violence and mitigating its mental health consequences in Ethiopia.

By examining the legal framework, prevalence’s of DV, cause of DV and mental health
implications among women within the Ethiopian context, this paper aims to contribute to a
comprehensive understanding of domestic violence's and its impact on women mental health
and to forward possible solution.

The analysis undertaken in this legal term paper seeks to inform policy makers, legal
practitioners, and social organizations on the necessary steps to strengthen legal protections
and support systems for women affected by domestic violence in Ethiopia

The Paper organized in six section, the second section explore the meaning of DV, forms of
DV. The third section explore the prevalence of DV and mental health outcomes among
women in Ethiopia, in this section the prevalence of DV in Ethiopia, causes of DV in
Ethiopia, Impact of DV on women mental health as well as adverse effect of mental health
problem, and barriers faced by women to seek health in Ethiopia will be explored. In section
four the study explore legal frame works on domestic violence which includes international,
regional as well as domestic laws on the issue at hand. Section five of the study explore the
challenges for protection of DV and mental health outcomes among women in Ethiopia. The
last section include the conclusion and recommendations based on the finding of study.

2.Meaning of Domestic violence and Forms

Domestic violence has no single definition many scholars define it in different way, but based
with context of our undertaking domestic violence refers to a pattern of abusive behaviour
that occurs within a domestic or intimate relationship. It is characterized by the exertion of
power and control by one individual over another, often through physical, sexual, emotional,
or financial means.3 Therefore it is possible to define that, domestic violence against women
is any use of physical or sexual force, actual or threatened, in an intimate relationship which
3
L. Kaufman, G. Kantor, and J. Jasminka, “Dynamics and risk factors in partner violence”, A comprehensive
review of 20 years of research”, (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage 1998)30
may include a single act of violence, or a number of acts forming a pattern of abuse through
the use of assaultive and controlling behaviour Over women. 4 Thus, even if domestic violence
affects people of all genders, It is, however, trite that a high proportion of women are Victims
of DV with in their communities, society, religion, place of work and in their home. 5
2.1.Forms Of Domestic Violence

Different scholars characterize pattern of Domestic violence against women (DVAW) with
little different or variations. However, domestic violence is neither random nor haphazard. It
is a complex pattern of increasingly request and harmful physical, sexual, psychological and
other abusive behaviours used to control the victim. 6 The abuser’s tactics are devised and
carried out precisely to control her. Some types are subtler than others and might never be
seen or felt by anyone other than the woman experiencing the abuse. The abuser uses a
combination of tactics that work to control the victim. It is better to see these forms of DVA
one by one;

A) Physical Abuse: This involves the use of physical force, such as hitting, slapping,
punching, kicking, or restraining someone against their will. It can result in injuries,
pain, or bodily harm.7
B) Sexual Abuse: This refers to any form of non-consensual sexual activity, including
rape, unwanted touching, coercion, or forcing someone to engage in sexual acts
against their will.8
C) Emotional or Psychological Abuse: This type of abuse involves behaviours aimed at
undermining a person's self-esteem, self-worth, or emotional well-being. It can
include insults, constant criticism, humiliation, gas lighting, isolation from family and
friends, controlling behaviour, or threats.9
D) Financial Abuse: Financial abuse involves controlling or limiting someone's access
to financial resources, denying them financial independence, or exploiting their
financial assets. It may include withholding money, preventing employment, or

4
Lames Gaudete, The Challenges to The Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence in Jemma Zone,
South Western Ethiopia ̛̛ (LLM thesis, Jimma University 2017)3
5
R. Jewkes, “Intimate partner violence causes and prevention”, (The Lancet 2002)
359(9315),1423-1429.
6
Ibd
7
Gudeta (n4)
8
L.Heise, “Ending violence against women”, (population reports, series Johns Hopkins
University School of Public Health. 1999)12.
9
UN, ending violence against women from words to action: Study of the Secretary-Genera, (2006), p.13,
Available at <<www.un.org>vaw>v.a.w-exeE-use.pdf>>, accessed on 30 October, 2023
 controlling financial decisions.10

3.Prevalences of Domestic Violence and Mental Health Outcomes Among

Women in Ethiopia

3.1. Prevalence of domestic violence against women Ethiopia

Domestic violence against women remains a worldwide problem though the variations
between regions or countries are large depending on the extents, magnitude, costs and
severity of the violence.

Eastern and Southern Africa have high prevalence of DV. According to a WHO multi country
study, life time DV on ever-partnered women ranged from 15% to 71%, where Ethiopia
recorded the highest rate of DV.11 As such domestic violence in Ethiopia is a common
phenomenon within its diversity. Therefore, domestic violence against women was relatively
high in different parts of Ethiopia. It has direct relationship with socio-demographic
characteristics of the victim as well as perpetrator and highly prevalent in Ethiopia till now,
especially in rural areas and widely socially condoned. 12 Systematic reviews done in Ethiopia
showed a lifetime prevalence of all types of DV against women ranging from 20% to 78 %;
Among this physical violence are range from 31-76.5%,sexual violence is ranged from 19.2-
59% and emotional violence ranges (51.7%) being the most common causes. 13 These
occurrences of DV varied from region to region. The highest was seen in East College,
Oromia region(76.5%),14whereas the least occurrence was recorded in Somali region(9%). 15
The variation could be explained by interregional, socioeconomic and cultural disparities as
well as difference in societal openness to claim the problem.

A study conducted by the World Bank in July 2005 concluded that 88 percent of rural women
and 69 percent of urban women are violence experienced in most parts of Ethiopia, especially
by their husbands. Hence, these clearly shows that there are high prevalence’s of domestic
violence against women in Ethiopia in general
10
M. Brewster, “Power and Control Dynamics in Pre-stalking & Stalking Situation”, Journal of Family
Violence, (2003), Vol. 18, p.210.
11
World Health Organization, Primary health care systems; Case study from Ethiopia, (abridged version Licence
2017) 9–10.
12
Agumasie Semahegn and Bezatu Mengistie, ‘Domestic violence against women and associated factors in
Ethiopia’; systematic review’ (2015) 12
13
Ibd
14
Sileshi Abeya, Mesganaw Afewarq MF, Yalew, ‘Intmate partner violence against women in western Ethiopia;
Prevalance, Pattern, and associated factors’, 913 (2011)11
15
B. Cordon, F. Drame, H. Stepp, ‘systematic Litrature review of Gender Based Violence in Ethiopia, (2018) 11.
3.2. Causes of Domestic Violence’s

Ethiopian women are most likely justify DV for men to use against women. 16 Despite this
high burden of the problem, beliefs toward the acceptance of violence are common and
wide.17 Different study conducted revealed that women's attitude towards and the cultural
grants of men's authority to control female behaviour are the strongest predictor of domestic
violence.18

Additionally, the risk of Domestic violence, in particular, was associated with Cultural and
social norms as well as educational status of women and men, place of residence, religion,
arranged marriage, parity, partner’s use of alcohol, and the woman’s having witnessed family
violence as a child, are the major causes hat contributed in Ethiopia. 19 Among the factors
contributing to the escalation of violence was substance use/abuse, especially alcohol
use/abuse.20

3.3. Domestic violence and its mental Health outcomes

The association between the mental health and domestic violence is usually bidirectional, and
it is associated with some mental health outcomes such as depression, posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD),suicidality, substance abuse, and exacerbation of the psychotic symptoms.21

Different International literature suggest the causal association between domestic violence
and mental health issues. The severity and the duration of the physical intimate violence are
associated with the frequency and the severity of the depressive symptoms. 22 Similar
evidence suggests that extent, severity, and duration of the abuse are directly associated with
the intensity of the posttraumatic stress symptoms.23 Furthermore, it has been observed that
16
Bedilu Abebe, BA. Wossen, Temesgen Degfie, ‘Determinants of intimate partner violence during pregnancy
among married women in Abay Chomen district, Western Ethiopia; a community based cross sectional
study. (BMC Women's Health. 2016;16(16)
17
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18
L Heise, Determinants of partner violence in low and middle-income countries: Exploring variation in
individual and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (2012).
19
Yohanes Dibaba, “Prevalence and correlates of intimate partner physical violence against women in Kofale
District, Ethiopia,” Tropical Doctor, 2008. vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 52–54.
20
Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association, Nationwide Survey on Domestic Violence, Ethiopian Women
Lawyers Association, (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008).
21
JM. Golding, “Intimate partner violence as a risk factor for mental disorder”, A meta-analysis Fam Violence
(1999)14:99-132.
22
Ibd
23
Mc. Farlane, B. Parker, K. Soeken, C. Silva, S. Reel, “Safety behaviors of
abused women after an intervention during pregnancy. J Obstet Gynecol
Neonatal Nurs” (1998)9-64
women who experience multiple forms of abuse and/or victimized are at increased risk of
mental problem.24 Thus, it can be said that the patients with mental illness are more likely to
suffer domestic abuse, and at the same time, people who undergo domestic abuse are more
likely to develop psychiatric conditions as well as experience acute decompensation of pre-
existing mental illnesses.

Thus, Domestic violence has adverse effects on women's mental health, leading to a range of
negative outcomes , Domestic violence, which refers to any form of abusive behaviour within
an intimate partner relationship or family setting, can have profound effects on the mental
well-being of survivors among them the following are the well-known one;25

a. Depression: Women who experience domestic violence are more susceptible to

depression. They may exhibit symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest,
feelings of worthlessness, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. 26.
b. Anxiety Disorders: Domestic violence can contribute to the development of
anxiety disorders in women.27
They may experience excessive worry, fear, restlessness, intrusive thoughts, and
physical symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath. Women who have
experienced domestic violence are more likely to develop anxiety disorders. The
chronic stress, fear, and uncertainty associated with abusive relationships can lead to
generalized anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and other anxiety-related symptoms.
c. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Women subjected to domestic violence
are at risk of developing PTSD. They may experience distressing flashbacks,
nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic
experiences28.
d. Substance Abuse: Some women may turn to substance abuse, including alcohol or
drugs, as a coping mechanism to deal with the emotional pain caused by domestic
violence.29
e. Self-esteem and Self-worth: Persistent exposure to domestic violence can erode
24
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25
World Health Organization Report, Global and regional estimates of violence against women: Prevalence and
health effects of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence, (2013)
26
M.Ellsberg, H. Jansen, A, Heise, L, Watts, and Garcia-Moreno,” Intimate partner violence and women's
physical and mental health in the WHO multicountry study on women's health and domestic violence”: An
observational study, The Lancet 2008, 371(9619), 1165-1172.
27
K Devries, J. Mak, Y. García, C. Moreno, ‘The global prevalence of intimate partner violence against women.
Science’, (2013). 340(6140), 1527-1528.
28
Ibd.
29
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 a woman's self-esteem and sense of self-worth, leading to feelings of guilt, shame,
and diminished self-confidence30
f. Suicidal Thoughts: Domestic violence increases the risk of suicidal ideation
31
among women. The feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair resulting
from the abuse contribute to this heightened risk.32

In Ethiopia Mental health consequences of DV identified are emotional toll 33

; mental
distress, suicidal ideation and attempts34; depression35; stress and anxiety ; psychosis.

As different study shows in Ethiopia Physical violence coupled with emotional, sexual and
economic abuse has multiple effects on women mental health. According to research
conducted in Adds Ababa shows the experience of DV puts women at greater risk of mental
health problems including , depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders,
low self-esteem, loss of confidence in life and suicidal tendencies. 36 Additionally the research
shows that the influence of DV can persist long after the abuse has stopped. The more severe
the abuse, the more severe its impact on women’s mental health. 37 The impact of different
types of abuse and multiple episodes over time appears to be cumulative. 38 Many women
consider the psychological consequences of abuse to be even more serious than its physical
effects.39

Generally, as discussed above mental health problem of assaulted women shows significantly
higher level than women who have not suffered abused often abused.40

3.3. Adverse effect of Mental Health outcomes on women

30
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31
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32
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33
Tegbar Yigzaw, Anwar Yibrie, and Yigzaw. Kebede, “Domestic violence around Gondar in north-west
Ethiopia,” Ethiopian Journal of Health Development, 2004. vol. 18, pp. 133–139,
34
Amare Diribaw, “The mental health consequences of intimate partner violence against women in AgaroTown,
southwest Ethiopia,” Tropical Doctor, 2008, vol. 38, no. 4, pp. 228–229,
35
Amanuel Gessessew and Mengiste Mesfin, “Rape and health problems in Adigrat Zonal Hospital,” Ethiopian
Journal of Health Development, 2004, vol. 18, pp. 140–144.

36
Salamon Dawit, Gender Based Violence Against Women in Addis Ababa (Thesis St marry University
2021)31.
37
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38
Ibd
39
Alemmaya, “Geneder and Islam”: How can violence embodded in religious? Refelection Addis Ababa No 7,
2002.
40
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As DV have cause mental effect on women, this mental problem has also Another effect in
Ethiopia. Thus, women who faced mental health problem due to DV have no or less capacity
to contribute for family, for themselves and society as well. victimized women were less
competitive with women who were free from the victim of domestic violence economically
and not use their own ability to perform best achievement as such women who were not
victimized by the violence, this is because of depression or anxiety uploaded by violence of
her intimate partner or husband. Women who faced mental health problem were not only
affected by decreased benefit gained from their less economic activity but also forced to lose
money on medical treatment for physical injuries and psychological intimidation. 41

The mental health problem is not only affect women itself also it can affect children because
the mother who is not affected are always think situation of their children and also always try
42
to achieve the needs of their children. However a mother whose her mental is affected
cannot think well as her mentality is abnormal this mental problem of mother have adversely
affect children's education status include poor performance in education even drop out from
school and result to scarce family love presently, on the other hand it may affect the
behaviour of children’s in the future when they grow up, means they may learn that domestic
violence as culture and best mechanism to solve the problem when they encountered in the
family.43

Additionally, domestic violence not only affect Women unilaterally but also it affects family,
the largest part of the community either economically or psychologically. Thus, domestic
violence against women affects the family in diverse ways such as economically,
psychologically.44

3.5. Barriers Faced by Women in seeking Help for Health care

Ethiopian women subjected to domestic violence encounter several barriers that contribute to
the more development of mental health problems and hinder seeking support. 45Firstly,
Ethiopia's diverse cultural landscape with varied norms and beliefs significantly influences
the perception of mental health and seeking support, leading to potential stigma and
41
Bekalu Asmare, Assessing the Causes and Consequences and of Domestic V against Women: The Case of
Bure Town’. 2019
Bekalu Asmare, Debre Markos
42
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43
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44
Agumasie Semahegn, Domestic violenevce against women and associated factor in Ethiopia; Systematic
Review ‘December 2015
45
Helena Hailu, Health Seeking Behavior of Women Subjected to Intimate Partner Violence in Ethiopia’
(Royal Tropical Institut Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands September 2020) 9
discrimination within communities.46 Moreover, economic dependency due to societal and
cultural norms creates financial barriers, limiting the ability of women to access mental health
services independently. In rural areas, limited access to mental health services, compounded
by infrastructure challenges, creates additional obstacles. 47Additionally, the pervasive stigma
surrounding mental health within communities prevents women from acknowledging their
struggles and seeking professional help.48

Moreover, While Ethiopia's healthcare system has made strides in mental health support, it
still faces several gaps, particularly in addressing the needs of women affected by domestic
violence. The scarcity of widely distributed mental health facilities poses a challenge,
especially for women in rural areas.49 The shortage of mental health professionals impacts the
availability and quality of mental health care, making it difficult for women to receive timely
and specialized support.50 Moreover, a lack of focus on trauma-informed care and inadequate
integration of mental health into primary healthcare further exacerbate the challenges faced
by women seeking support.

4.Legal Frame works

4.1. International Legal Frameworks

a). United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against

women.
The 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women was the first
international instrument explicitly addressing violence against women, providing a
framework for national and international action.

Not only these mentioned conventions but also International Convention on Economic Social
and Civil Right (ICESCR) also incorporated under its convention the matter of mental health
which results as a consequence of violence. Art. 12 of the convention states that the state
parties to the present covenant recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of highest
attainable standard of physical and mental health.

b). Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (The
CEDAW)
46
Id 19
47
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48
Id 21
49
Id 24
50
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This was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on its resolution 34/180 on 18
December 1979. Under this convention it is stated that prejudices and practice may justify
gender based violence as a form of protection or control of women. Therefore, the effect of
such violence on the physical and metal integrity of women deprives them from equal
enjoyment of human rights as it can be seen from Art. 2 (f), 5 and 10 (c).

Besides the general convention there is a General Recommendation No. 19: Violence against
Women. It was adopted on the eleventh session of the committee on the Elimination of
Discrimination against Women, in 1992. This recommendation attempted to address issues of
violence and women, particularly in domestic violence. This was enshrined under the specific
recommendations section Art. 24 (r) & (s).

c). Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the
Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol)

This protocol was adopted by the African Union in 2003 in Maputo, Mozambique and
entered into force in 2005. Having in mind the elimination of all forms of discrimination and
gender based violence against women, this protocol was adopted as it stated at its preamble.
Under this convention it is attempted to restrict and prohibit certain level of violence against
women on the right to life,51 integrity and security of person and on the elimination of harmful
52
practices.

4.2. Domestic legal frame works

In our country, Ethiopia, the crime against women specifically domestic violence against
women is very rampant. Due to this Ethiopia has undertaken significant ‘gender-sensitive’
legislative reforms in the last decade targeting to providing better protection of the rights of
53
women. These legislations attempting to present a certain protection to women are
evaluated herein. First and foremost, there is the supreme law of the land which is the
constitution.

a). The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

51
African Union, Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in
Africa, 11 July 2003, Art 4
52
Id Art 5
53
Fikremarkos Merso, Women and girls and HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: an assessment of the policy and legal
framework protecting the rights of women and girls and reducing their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.
The FDRE Constitution tries to address the violence against women. This can be seen as the
constitution attempts to give protection to women in various forms as stipulated under Art. 35
of the FDRE Constitution. This article aims to empower women by providing an equal right
with men in marriage, administration of property, child raising, employment and others. From
these laws, our focus will be in the sub Art. 4 which prohibits the influences of harmful
customs, or any laws and practices that oppress or cause a bodily or a mental harm on
women. This article explicitly imposes an obligation and accountability on the state to protect
women. Also the constitution gives everyone the right to live, right to be protected against
bodily harm and rights of protection against cruel,54 inhuman and degrading treatment.55 This
is also enacted taking women into consideration. Therefore, one can understand from here
that the prevalence of the crimes in women in many kinds have brought the existence of these
provisions on the rights of women.

The constitution does not only incorporate this provision but has also provided that
Interpretation of Fundamental human rights under the constitution in line with international.
56
Furthermore, the Constitution stipulates that all international instruments ratified by
Ethiopia are an integral part of the law of the land.57

b). The Revised Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of

Ethiopia 2005.

This code has attempted to criminalize the acts done against women in various provisions. As
the nature of criminal codes requires for the laws to be made exhaustively, the code has
explicitly prohibited the crime against women. The code specifically criminalizes crimes
against women prohibiting rape (Art. 620-628), abduction (Art 587-590), and female genital
mutilation (565), physical violence within marriage and irregular union (564) and trafficking
women (597).58 Article 564 states that articles 555-560 can be invoked in the case of domestic
violence when any person commits an act of violence against their spouse causing any injury,
whether common or grave, to the body or mind of such person.. According to this law if any
act of violence causes bodily or mental injury to the marriage partner, or person cohabiting in
an irregular union, then the provisions of domestic violence can apply. This law, however,
only regards injury to the body and mental health as forms of domestic violence. Emotional
54
FDRE, Constitution, Federal Negarit Gazeta, Proclamation No. 1/1995, art 16
55
Id 18
56
Id,13(2)
57
Id, 9(4)
58
Megersa Dugasa, International journal of gender and studies, March, 2014, vol. 2(1)
violence, economic violence, and sexual violence are still not regarded as forms of domestic
violence. The law does not contain any provision enabling the court to grant any monetary
remedy or to grant a protection order against a transgressor. The Ethiopian Criminal Code
does not recognize marital rape.

c). The Revised Federal Family Code of Ethiopia.

The family code of Ethiopia was enacted due to the need of amendment of the family matters
provisions in the Civil Code.59 This revised family law recognized the equality of men and
women in every aspects including in marriage and common property-administration Article
56 obliges married persons to be faithful to each other and to ensure the harmonious
existence of the family. In terms of this article, spouses are required to refrain from
committing acts of violence as a way of keeping the harmonious interests of the family intact.
Therefore, acts of domestic violence are in violation of the provisions referred to herein.
Theses Family Code also adhere principles enshrined in the Constitution. For instance, article
49 of the Family Code directs both spouses to respect and support each other. This article
supports, upholds, and guarantees the equal rights of women and men. Article 50 guarantees
the equal rights of women in the management of the affairs of the family. Therefore, in one
way or other Domestic violence against women is addressed under RFC. But RFC by itself
bereaved civil remedy against domestic violence. Such as monetary remedy or to grant a
protection order against a transgressor.

Nevertheless, regarding the violence against women all the civil law and criminal law do not
addressed in comprehensive manner in the way that, DVAW would be culminated. Hence, the
Ethiopian laws regarding DVAW have been crowds of criticism till now. As such as it stands
now, the legal codes in Ethiopia does not imposed stringent sanctions on perpetrators of
domestic violence against women and or does not criminalizes different form/patterns of
domestic violence committed at the private spheres Such as martial rape On this regard the
international human right instruments are not much reflected in subsidiary laws as reflected
in FDRE constitution as much as expected.

5.Challenges Hinders protection of Domestic violence and Mental health

outcomes among women’s in Ethiopia

59
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 A. Limited Awareness and Understanding: in Ethiopia Many women, especially in
rural areas, have limited awareness of their rights and the legal protections available
60
to them. This lack of awareness about the legal framework and the services
provided prevents women from seeking aid when they experience domestic
violence.61
B. Insufficient Access to Justice: Access to justice can be hindered by factors such as
geographic distance, limited transportation, and financial constraints. Women from
rural and marginalized communities face difficulties accessing legal aid services or
navigating the legal system to seek protection.62
C. Inadequate Law Enforcement: Weak enforcement of existing laws and regulations
related to domestic violence hampers the protection of women. 63 Law enforcement
agencies' failure to take prompt and effective action against perpetrators of domestic
violence undermines the implementation of legal protections.
D. Limited Support Services: The availability of shelters, counselling services, and
other support for survivors of domestic violence may be scarce, particularly in rural
64
areas. This lack of comprehensive support services contributes to women's
reluctance to report domestic violence and seek legal remedies.
E. Sociocultural Barriers: - Deep-rooted sociocultural norms and patriarchal traditions
can impede the implementation of legal protections for women. 65 Resistant attitudes
among community members and within families may discourage reporting of
domestic violence and perpetuate the cycle of abuse. Social stigma and fear of shame
associated with being a survivor of domestic violence can prevent women from
seeking help. 66
F. Inadequate Training and Capacity: Insufficient training of law enforcement
officials, legal professionals, and community leaders on domestic violence laws and
support systems is limiting their capacity to effectively respond to cases of domestic
violence. 67
60
Abera, M., & Belachew, Women's knowledge of their rights and factors affecting utilization of legal
protection and associated services in Ethiopia: A systematic review. BMC International Health and Human
Rights, (2016 )16.
61
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62
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63
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64
Women's Aid International, Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Spotlight on Ethiopia’
65
Agumasie Semahgn (n 44)
66
Yohannes Dibab (n 19)
67
Abera & Belachew (n 60)
 G. Economic Dependence: Economic dependence on their abusers is create barriers for
women attempting to leave abusive situations. 68
H. Non comprehensive and Incomplete Legal Protection:
Gaps in the legal framework, for instances in Ethiopia law even if its effect have high
degree; Emotional violence, economic violence, and sexual violence are still not
regarded as forms of domestic violence. Also Ethiopian Criminal Code does not
recognize marital. Additionally, in Ethiopia law Civil remedies are not provided in
the domestic violence law of Ethiopia The law does not contain any provision
enabling the court to grant any monetary remedy or to grant a protection order against
a transgressor. There is no provision in Ethiopian law on domestic violence to enable
the court to grant an injunction against the perpetrator of domestic violence. Although
Ethiopia ratified the CEDAW convention, but, not the optional protocol to CEDAW
which provide an individual complaint mechanism for victims.

The absence of these remedies mentioned above the Code is seriously flawed and
hampers the work of officials tasked with the responsibility of enforcing laws regulating
and eradicating domestic violence in Ethiopia.

6. Conclusion

Domestic violence in Ethiopia is a common phenomenon within its diversity. Therefore,

domestic violence against women was relatively high in different parts of Ethiopia. Though
prevalence of domestic violence in Ethiopia is an alarmingly high rates across urban and rural
area.

women's attitude towards and the cultural grants of men's authority to control female
behaviour, Cultural and social norms as well as educational status of women and men, place
of residence, religion, arranged marriage, parity, partner’s use of alcohol were among the
major causes that exposed women for Domestic violence in Ethiopia. At the same time, This
DV have adverse effect on women mental health. In Ethiopia Mental health consequences of
DV on women which identified were mental distress, suicidal ideation and attempts;
depression; stress and anxiety; psychosis. posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders, low
self-esteem, loss of confidence in life and suicidal tendencies.

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As DV affect mental health of women, this mental problem has also Another effect on women
as well as on others. Thus, women who faced mental health problem due to DV have no or
less capacity to contribute for family, for themselves and society as well.

In Ethiopia women develop Mental Health problems due to DV are facing different barriers
in seeking health. This includes, Cultural norm and belief, Economic dependency of women,
Social cultural stigma and Gaps in Ethiopian Health care system.

In order to protect DV Ethiopia take different measures and protection through recognizing
Women right under its FRDE constitution, Criminal code, Family code, through its policies
and through ratifying international treatment. Despite its effort to protect DV the women in
Ethiopia till now they are victims of DV. The challenges that prevent protection of DV
against women in Ethiopia are not limited to but includes Limited Awareness and
Understanding of women about their rights and the legal protections available to them.
Insufficient Access to Justice due to geographic distance, limited transportation, and financial
constraints. Limited Support Services such as availability of shelters, counselling services,
and other support for survivors of domestic violence, Sociocultural Barriers such as Deep-
rooted sociocultural norms and patriarchal traditions, Inadequate Training and Capacity for
law enforcement officials, legal professionals, and community leaders on domestic violence
laws and support systems, Economic dependence of women on their abusers, Non
comprehensive and Incomplete Legal Protection such as absence of civil remedies and
Martial rape are the major challenges in Ethiopia that prohibit full protection of women. In
order to protect women from domestic violence the government should focus more on
addressing the problem raised above before women subjected to DV as well as providing
sufficient health service once they are Subjected to it. The finding of this study can play up to
some extent in addressing Domestic violence and mental health outcome among women
because study have been explored the prevalence of Domestic violence in Ethiopia and its
adverse effect on women mental health and also addressed the exiting problem for ensuring
DV. The methodology for this thesis is a review of literature because it was not possible to
collect primary data such as interview due to unavailability of time . Additionally, the study
didn’t explore the Domestic violence and its mental outcome from all perspective its limited
only to women. This may limit its reflection on the real and current situation of the problem
in the country as a whole. Therefore, in order to tackle Domestic violence and mental health
outcome in Ethiopia conducting study which is not limited to only women and collecting
primary data such as interview is recommended.
7.Recommendation

Based on the finding of this study he recommendations are provided as follows;

1. The Government and other stakeholders should focus on awareness raising issue
to the public at large this is help to tackle pre-existing cultural and social norm
which affect women to DV) as well as to victims about their right and legal
protection provided for them
2. The government should ensure accessibility of justice system in everywhere in
Ethiopia. This can have achieved through establishing Different justice organs
both in rural and urban and also provide different mechanism to ensure the
accessibility of justice system onion wide
3. The government should provide and increase training on the laws of domestic
violence for legal professional (this to maintain more capacity of professionals),
law enforcement officials such as police, and community leaders both in rural and
urban
4. The government specifically the lawmakers should fill he exiting gap and amend
the provisions of Ethiopia laws. This may through including Different types of DV
in criminal code, including civil remedies in civil law, as well as through ensuring
consonance of ratified treaty and also ratifying option protocols.
5. To address the adverse effect of DV, the government should address the exiting
barriers and gaps. This can be achieved through, raising awareness about mental
health, providing training for healthcare professionals in trauma-informed care,
and expanding mental health services to reach women in all regions of Ethiopia.
Challenging stigmas surrounding mental health and domestic violence, and
empowering women to seek the support they need, is crucial in creating a
supportive environment for women affected by domestic violence.