Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Domestic Violence has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers, regulators, and practitioners concerned with youth deviant behaviour. This growing interest reflects the recognition that domestic violence does not operate in isolation, but interacts with a wider set of institutional and market conditions found within Enugu State.

Within the context of Enugu State, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of domestic violence on youth deviant behaviour, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While domestic violence is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on youth deviant behaviour within Enugu State remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to domestic violence are helping or hindering youth deviant behaviour — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Domestic Violence on youth deviant behaviour in Enugu State.
2. To assess the extent to which domestic violence influences youth deviant behaviour within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with domestic violence in relation to youth deviant behaviour.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing domestic violence in order to improve youth deviant behaviour.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of domestic violence on youth deviant behaviour in Enugu State?
2. To what extent does domestic violence influence youth deviant behaviour within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with domestic violence in relation to youth deviant behaviour?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize domestic violence in order to improve youth deviant behaviour?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around youth deviant behaviour. For managers and practitioners within Enugu State, the study provides practical insight into how domestic violence can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on sociology by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to an examination of Domestic Violence and its relationship with youth deviant behaviour within the context of Enugu State. It reflects a BSc-level scope of analysis and relies on data and perspectives available within that scope; generalizing the findings beyond this specific context should therefore be done with appropriate caution.