Abstract
Domestic violence remains a major threat to human security, family stability and sustainable peace in Uganda. Although domestic violence is frequently treated as a private family matter, its consequences extend beyond individual households to children, communities and wider social institutions. This study examined the role of civil society in transforming domestic violence into household peace in Kamuli District, Uganda. The study was guided by three objectives: to examine the nature and effects of domestic violence on household peace; to examine the role of civil society organisations in transforming domestic violence into peaceful household relationships; and to assess the contribution of individual agency, attitude and negotiation to the transformation of domestic violence into household peace. A qualitative case-study design was employed involving three civil society organisations in Kamuli District. Six participants were selected from each organisation, giving a total sample of 18 participants. Data were analysed thematically using conflict transformation theory as the primary analytical lens. Findings indicated that 15 of the 18 participants (83.3%) perceived domestic violence as a serious human threat that contributes to the breakdown of the family institution. Participants further perceived that domestic violence, although destructive, could be transformed into peaceful relationships through appropriate civil society interventions, behavioural change, dialogue and constructive conflict management. Civil society organisations were perceived as important actors in awareness creation, psychosocial support, empowerment, referral, community mobilisation and the promotion of nonviolent approaches to conflict. A particularly significant finding concerned individual agency, attitude and negotiation. One survivor stated: "I nearly died because of domestic violence but when I realized that I had the ability to choose peace no matter the violence, it was my choice and attitude, I was able to negotiate with my rivalry and we made peace." This testimony illustrates the potential importance of survivor agency and constructive negotiation in transforming destructive interpersonal conflict. However, the study does not equate choosing peace with tolerating abuse or abandoning justice and protection. Rather, sustainable household peace requires safety, accountability, voluntary participation, institutional support and transformation of destructive relationships. The article contributes to conflict transformation scholarship by extending peacebuilding analysis into the household and by proposing a Household Peace Transformation Framework linking recognition of domestic violence, civil society intervention, individual agency, safe dialogue, negotiation and relationship transformation.
Academians Publishers