Les violences conjugales à Yaoundé : logiques, vécus et stratégies des acteurs au quartier Nkolmesseng

Abstract

Initiated within the home, domestic violence has inevitable repercussions on public life. Because it weakens the physical and mental health of its victims, women in this case, and constitute an obstacle to their promotion. It occurs in all societies and in all social classes and reflects the relationships of domination that exist within the institution of marriage. Therefore, in a patriarchal society, women are the main victims of violence within the home, and men are those who perpetuate it. However, it would be incorrect to believe that domestic violence only affects women. Men are also victims. Some are beaten by their wives, murdered or suffer symbolic violence (adultery, abandonment of the marital home, refusal to perform the sexual act, etc.). Regardless, domestic violence as an attack on the physical, sexual or psychological integrity of the spouse, is an obstacle to the promotion of human rights and development and peace. This research was motivated by the observation of the extent that this phenomenon is growing every day through its multiple manifestations. Thus, the problem that emerges is that of the permanence of violence within homes despite all national and international policies. This research problem led to a research question: What are the factors that structure and explain the domestic violence observed in the Nkolmesseng neighborhood? The provisional response provided states that domestic violence as observed in the locality of Nkolmesseng is structured under the influence of several combined factors, while constructing several strategies and consequences which are read at several levels of the society. The operationalization of this question mobilized three theoretical analysis grids, the theory of social representations of Jean-Claude ABRIC, the theory of social constructivism of Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann and the theory of strategic analysis of Michel Crozier and Erhard Friedberg. These theories respectively helped us to understand the socially constructed origin of violence, to understand the manifestations of violence, and to analyze the strategies developed by couples to end or even limit violence in their relationship. Data collection was carried out using qualitative research using tools such as documentary observation, life stories and semi-directive interviews. The results of all this work highlight the forms and manifestations of violence, the factors which structure violence and finally the constructions which arise following violence in couples, while analyzing the perspectives implemented to limit violence