Assessment of Social Work Interventions in Combating Domestic Violence in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria

Domestic violence remains a significant public health and social welfare concern across Nigeria, with women and children bearing a disproportionate burden of its consequences. This study assesses the effectiveness of social work interventions in combating domestic violence in Kaduna State, drawing attention to both rural communities in Kachia and urban populations within Kaduna metropolis. Using a descriptive research design, the study adopts a survey approach involving 100 respondents, comprising survivors, social workers, and community leaders. Data are collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using simple percentages and chi-square tests. The study finds that while shelter provision, psychological counselling, and legal referrals are recognised as core intervention strategies, many social workers lack adequate training to manage complex domestic violence cases. Cultural norms that normalise violence within marital relationships further reduce reporting rates and complicate professional intervention. The research also highlights funding shortfalls as a major barrier to programme continuity and staff deployment across rural areas. Recommendations include mandatory in-service training for all social workers handling domestic violence, the establishment of more crisis shelters in rural communities, and multisectoral collaboration involving health, legal, and law enforcement agencies. This study adds to the growing literature on gender-based violence in northern Nigeria and provides evidence for policy reform in social welfare administration. Keywords: domestic violence, social work intervention, Kaduna State, gender-based violence, shelter