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EFFECT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN SPECIAL SCHOOL, PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents                                                                                                                     Pages

Title page-       –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -i

Declaration-    –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -ii

Approval page-           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -iii

Dedication-     –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -iv Acknowledgement –            –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -v

Table of contents-       –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -vi

Abstract –        –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -ix

CHAPTER ONE

INTODUCTION

1.1       Background to the study-       –           –           –           –           –           –           –           1

1.2       Statement of the Problem –     –           –           –           –           –           –           –           2

1.3       Purpose of the Study  –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           3

1.4       Research Questions    –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           4

1.5       Significance of the Study       –           –           –           –           –           –           –           5

1.6       Scope of the Study      –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           5

1.7       Operational Definition of Terms         –           –           –           –           –           –           8

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1       The Concept Special Needs Children             –           –           –           –           –           9

2.2       The Concept Domestic Violence        –           –           –           –           –           –         10 2.3    The Concept Academic Performance           –           –           –           –           –           –          11 2.4  Causes of Domestic violence           –           –           –           –           –           –           –      13 2.5       Effect of domestic violence on children           –           –           –           –           –         15

2.6       Impact of Domestic violence on the academic performance of students; ways of eliminating the occurrence of domestic violence        –           –           –           –           -20

2.7       Summary of Literature Review –        –           –           –           –           –           -21

CHAPTER THREE

METHODS AND PROCEDURE

3.1       Research Design-        –           –           –           –           –           –           –           21

3.2       Population and Sample of the Study- –           –           –           –           –           21

3.3       Sampling Technique-  –           –           –           –           –           –           –           23

3.4       Instrument for Data Collection           –           –           –           –           –           -23

3.5       Method of Data Collection     –           –           –           –           –           –           -24

3.6       Validity and Reliability of the Instrument-    –           –           –           –           -25

3.7       Method of Data Collection     –           –           –           –           –           –           -26

3.7       Method of Data Analysis        –           –           –           –           –           –           -26

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1       Introduction    –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -28

4.2       Presentation of Bio-Date-       –           –           –           –           –           –           -29

4.3       Data Analysis  –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           30

4.4       Hypothesis testing      –           –           –           –           –           –           –           32

4.4       Discussion of Results-            –           –           –           –           –           –           -33

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.2       Summary of Results-  –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -37

5.2       Conclusion-     –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -38

5.3       Recommendations-     –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -38

5.4.      Suggestions for Further Studies-        –           –           –           –           –           -37

References-     –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -38

Appendix        –           –           –           –           –           –           –           –           -39

 ABSTRACT

This study investigated on the Effect of domestic violence on the academic performance of children with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area. In chapter one, background to the study was done, statement of the problem was identified and the objectives were stated. The study used survey research design which enabled the researcher to gather information, summarize, present and interpret for the reasons of clarification. The population size specifically consisted of thirty-five (35) students with special needs in the school. The sample of the study consisted of twenty (20) students with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State. They were selected through simple random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a self-made structured questionnaire consisting of fifteen (15). Mean score statistic was used to answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that communication difficulties between the child and the caregiver, leading to frustration and tension causes domestic violence.  Financial strain caused by the cost of caring for a child with special needs also results to domestic violence. The study further revealed that children who witness or experience domestic violence may suffer from emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.  Domestic violence causes physical health problems for children, such as chronic pain, headaches, and sleep disturbances. The study recommends that establishment of a comprehensive support system within the Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area, that includes counseling services and therapy programs specifically designed for children with special needs who have experienced domestic violence. The further recommends that collaboration between the Special School, parents, and relevant government agencies to develop and implement policies and guidelines that address the issue of domestic violence and its impact on the academic performance of children with special needs.

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

Domestic violence is a form of abuse that occurs in a domestic setting, such as within a family or intimate partner relationship. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse (Safdar & Hussain, 2021). While domestic violence is commonly associated with adults, it can also occur among school children. Domestic violence among school children is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on their physical, emotional, and mental well-being (Emily, Kudzai & Moses, 2012). One of the most common forms of domestic violence among school children is bullying. Bullying can take many forms, including physical, verbal, and social. It can include hitting, kicking, pushing, or intimidating another child. It can also involve name-calling, spreading rumors, or excluding a child from social activities. Bullying can have devastating effects on the victim, including low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and even suicide (Fauber, Forehand, Thomas & Wierson, 2019). Another form of domestic violence among school children is child abuse. Child abuse can include physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful acts. Physical abuse can include hitting, punching, or slapping a child. Emotional abuse can involve belittling, yelling, or isolating a child. Sexual abuse can involve unwanted touching or sexual acts with a child. Neglect can involve failing to provide a child with basic needs, such as food, shelter, or medical care. Child abuse can have long-term effects even on the physical and emotional health, including developmental delays, PTSD, and depression of children with special needs (National Center for Learning Disabilities, 2021).

Children with special needs are those who require assistance or additional support due to their unique abilities, disabilities, or circumstances. The term “special needs” can refer to a wide range of conditions, such as physical disabilities, learning disabilities, developmental delays, behavioral disorders, and chronic medical conditions. These children require specialized attention and care to help them reach their full potential and live a fulfilling life. According to Sharma & Desai, (2016) the term “special needs” can be traced back to the 1960s when the concept of special education was introduced. Special education is a set of services designed to help students with disabilities access education and participate in the same activities as their non-disabled peers. The term “special needs” was adopted as a more inclusive term that recognized the diverse range of disabilities and conditions that students could have. Children with special needs may face a variety of challenges in their lives, ranging from physical limitations to social isolation. They may require additional support in areas such as mobility, communication, and self-care. Special needs children may also experience discrimination or stigma due to their condition, which can negatively impact their self-esteem and mental health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

Children with special needs, such as those with disabilities or developmental disorders, face many challenges in their academic and personal lives. They often require additional support and accommodations to achieve academic success, and may also experience difficulties in social situations. Domestic violence can exacerbate these challenges, as it can cause emotional distress, behavioral problems, and physical injuries that can interfere with a child’s ability to learn and thrive. According to Asemah, (2018) Domestic violence is a significant social problem that affects millions of people globally, regardless of age, gender, or race. However, children with special needs are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence due to their unique characteristics and circumstances. Research has shown that children with disabilities are more likely to experience abuse and neglect than their non-disabled peers. Previous research has shown that children with disabilities who are exposed to domestic violence may also have lower self-esteem, increased feelings of helplessness, and a greater risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than their non-disabled peers (Hovey & King, 2016; Sullivan & Knutson, 2010). They may also have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships as adults. It is based on this background that the researcher seeks to explore the effect of domestic violence on the academic performance of children with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

The problem being investigated is the effect of domestic violence on the academic performance of children with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area. Domestic violence is a prevalent issue that affects millions of people worldwide, and it has been shown to have negative impacts on the academic performance of children in general. However, there is a lack of research on how domestic violence affects the academic performance of children with special needs, who may be more vulnerable and less able to cope with the effects of violence at home. The study aims to examine the impact of domestic violence on the academic performance of children with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area, and to identify strategies that can be implemented to mitigate these effects.

1.3       Purpose of the study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of domestic violence on the academic performance of children with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To find out the possible causes of domestic violence as experienced by children with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area.
2. To examine the impact of domestic violence on the academic performance of children with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area.
3. Suggest ways of eliminating or reducing the occurrence of domestic violence on children with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area.

 1.4      Research questions

1. What are the possible causes of domestic violence as experienced by children with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area?
2. What are the impact of domestic violence on the academic performance of children with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area?
3. What are the ways of eliminating or reducing the occurrence of domestic violence on children with special needs in Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area.

1.5       Research Hypothesis

Ho: There is no significant relationship between domestic violence and the academic performance of children with special needs

1.6       Significance of the Study

The problem of domestic violence is a national issue, and may not be limited to the area in which the study was carried out.

The study among others will bring home to policy markers on the need to implement all kinds of laws relating to the rights of children especially those relating to violence emanating from the home.

 The study will bring to the knowledge of those adults who take the law into their own hands and inflict violent acts on children to be careful of the repercussion of their actions on the life of the adolescent.

Finally, the study will create awareness among, opinion leaders and educational authority on the effects of domestic violence on the child and its implications to the Nigerian Society.

• Scope of the study

The scope of the study is based on effect of domestic violence on the academic performance of children with special needs.  The area of the research will be Special School, Pankshin Local Government Area.

1.8       Definition of Operational Terms

Academic performance: Academic performance generally refers to a student’s level of achievement in academic subjects, typically measured by their grades or exam scores

Violence: Violence refers to the use of physical force or aggression to cause harm, damage, or injury to a person, animal, or property. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, sexual, or financial

Domestic Violence: This refers to a pattern of behavior which involves violence or other abuse by one person against another in a domestic setting such as in the family or marriage

Child Abuse: Child abuse refers to any intentional act or omission by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or potential harm to a child.

Bullying: Bullying refers to aggressive behavior intended to cause harm, distress, or fear to someone who is perceived as vulnerable or less powerful.

Effect: Effect refers to the result or outcome of an action, event, or circumstance. It can be positive or negative, and it can be immediate or delayed.

Children with Special Need: The term “children with special needs” generally refers to children who require additional assistance due to a physical, developmental, or emotional disability or disorder. These needs may include educational, medical, therapeutic, or social support to help them achieve their full potential and participate in society on an equal basis with their peers.

Disability: Disability refers to a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that limits a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks and activities.

Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse is a form of abuse that involves any unwanted sexual behavior, act or activity forced upon an individual without their consent

Physical Abuse: Physical abuse is a form of abuse that involves the use of force, violence, or physical harm against an individual, resulting in injury or pain.

Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse refers to a pattern of behavior where one person uses words, actions, or lack of action to control, manipulate, or demean another person.

Depression: A mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.

Discrimination: The unjust treatment of individuals or groups based on factors such as race, gender, religion, age, or sexual orientation.

Mental health: A broad term that encompasses a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Good mental health allows individuals to function effectively in daily life and cope with the challenges and stressors they encounter.

Belittling: To make someone feel small, unimportant, or inferior by criticizing or insulting them.

Yelling: Raising one’s voice in a loud, aggressive, or angry manner.

Mobility: The ability to move freely and easily.

Self-esteem: A person’s subjective evaluation of their own worth or value. It can be influenced by factors such as achievements, relationships, and personal experiences.

Post-traumatic: Refers to the aftermath of a traumatic event or experience. Symptoms can include anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of triggers related to the trauma.

Behavioral problems: Patterns of behavior that deviate from societal norms or expectations, and may be disruptive or harmful to oneself or others.

Emotional problems: Refers to a range of mental health issues related to emotions and mood. Symptoms can include anxiety, depression, anger, and irritability.

Social problems: Issues or challenges that affect the functioning of society, such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, and crime.