Assessment of Domestic Violence Awareness Among Home Economics Students in Ekiti State

This study assesses the level of domestic violence awareness among Home Economics students in tertiary institutions in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria. Domestic violence remains a pervasive social problem in Nigeria, and Home Economics as a field is uniquely positioned to equip students with the knowledge to recognise, prevent, and respond to family violence. Using a descriptive survey design, the study targets undergraduate Home Economics students in Ekiti State University and Federal University of Education Ikere. Data were collected from 210 students using a structured questionnaire. Objectives include assessing students' knowledge of the forms, causes, and consequences of domestic violence, determining their awareness of legal and institutional support systems, and examining gender differences in awareness levels. Recent literature in Nigeria indicates that despite high exposure to domestic violence, many tertiary students lack adequate knowledge of their rights and available support mechanisms. Data were analysed using mean scores, standard deviation, and t-tests. The Feminist Theory underpins the study, contextualising domestic violence within gender power imbalances and structural inequalities. Findings are anticipated to reveal moderate awareness levels, with significant gender disparities in knowledge and attitudes. Recommendations address the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs, university administrators, and Home Economics curriculum planners to integrate gender-based violence education into the curriculum. Keywords: domestic violence, awareness, Home Economics students, gender, Ekiti State.