Effect Of Domestic Violence And Learning Outcomes In Rwandan Secondary Schools: A Case Of Rutsiro District (2016-2019)

This study was carried out to examine on the effect of domestic violence and learning outcomes in the Rwandan secondary schools. The study objectives were to determine the effect of physical violence, emotional abuse, verbal abuse and economical abuse influenced their learning outcomes. This study was carried out in 13 secondary schools located in Rutsiro District, that were sampled purposively randomly to constitute study samples. The questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect primary and secondary data. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20 while for qualitative data from open ended questions was thematically analyzed as per the objectives of study. The research involved a population study of 259 student respondents, 14 teachers and administrative staff respondents, 117Parents respondents from which 393 of sample size was selected and targeted from Rutsiro District. The probability sampling with purposive sampling was used. Other techniques were also used such as documentation, interview, questionnaires with five-point Linkert scales and observation. During data processing and analysis editing, coding, and tabulation were also used. The descriptive statistical analysis was using percentages, frequencies, means, standard deviation and inferential statistics including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis. The findings revealed that domestic violence perpetrated against children has a significant effect on learning outcomes in Rutsiro district which were presented in the tables. This determined the level of influence the independent variable have on dependent variable. The results of this study revealed that physical violence, emotional abuse, verbal abuse and economical abuse have significant effect on the learning outcomes of students in Rutsiro secondary schools. This study recommends that the findings can give guidelines to the Government, Local leaders, stakeholders and partners, and then local population that they should have to denounce domestic violence against children and its consequences through establishment of heavy penalties to anyone who suspected to commit it. Key words: domestic violence, learning outcomes, abuse, secondary schools