Learning for public safety: a case of household violence in selected households of Lusaka district, Zambia.
Household violence between couples has become very rampant the world over. It is an internationally-recognised problem that has remained vicious and a threat to human life. The purpose of this study was to establish learning for public safety so as to ascertain possible strategies that could be integrated in public safety education at community level in order to curb household violence. To archive the purpose of this study, the study sought to establish existing forms of household violence so as to explore its causes. The study also had to establish how household violence impacts on learning for public safety. Lastly, possible strategies that needed to be integrated in public safety education at community level on learning for public safety were suggested. The study in the context of a mixed design approach had a population which included members some from the public, police, health, judiciary, Non-Governmental Organisations and churches. Data was collected using semi-structured interview guides and focus group discussion. Data was analysed thematically. The findings from the study revealed that physical, psychological and economic violence were the common forms of household violence that existed while lack of communication, jealousy, and infidelity and alcohol abuse triggered household violence. However, being emotionally/psychologically disturbed, habits and the upbringing of children in an environment where violence is inevitable were found to have been the reasons as to how household violence would impact on learning for public safety. The study, lastly, established strategies which includes; to talk about the consequences of violence, handle unpleasant habits by engaging churches and rehabilitation centres, promote Christian values, talk about the importance of communication and teach how to be faithful to one another in a relationships and respect of other opinions. The study recommends that the Zambian government should give resources and support to the police, church leaders, traditional or community leaders and some NGOs that deal with violence cases. The resources should be used for campaigns of attitude change in the larger society so that household violence as a deterrent to public safety can be addressed objectively.
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