The role of social norms: A case study of intimate partner violence among adolescent girls in Nigeria

Intimate partner violence (IPV) poses a significant threat as young as adolescence, globally. Girls and women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) often face even greater risk of IPV. The risk of IPV in this region often materializes during adolescence, before girls have even entered into a formal union or marriage. This study presents findings from a study that examines the relationships between community contextual influences, alignment with gendered expectations, and IPV. These findings underscore the importance of identifying and considering the social and gender norms in a given setting before implementing programs and policies aiming to empower women and girls. Policies and programs that promote behavior counter to the contextual norms run the risk of generating unintended consequences for the very individuals these policies aim to help. Such programs and policies should work to simultaneously address broader gender inequitable norms in order to ensure positive impacts for women and girls in all arenas.