Contributions of Facebook, WhatsApp and X Posts on Creating Awareness on Domestic Violence against Women in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the role of social media platforms—Facebook, WhatsApp, and X—in creating awareness about domestic violence against women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Domestic violence remains a pervasive and underreported issue in many parts of Nigeria, often perpetuated by entrenched cultural norms and systemic inequalities that marginalise women. With the rapid proliferation of digital communication tools, social media has emerged as a potent channel for disseminating information, mobilising public opinion, and advocating for victims’ rights. Guided by the Cultivation Theory and the Feminist Theory, this study employed a quantitative survey design using a purposive sampling technique to collect data from 384 women across the six area councils of the FCT. The findings revealed that respondents frequently encountered posts related to domestic violence on these platforms. These posts served multiple purposes: educating women about their rights and available support systems, encouraging public discourse, and influencing attitudes toward domestic violence prevention. Posts identified included those providing psychological and legal assistance, highlighting survivor experiences, and those advocating for stronger institutional responses. Respondents perceived these messages as both informative and empowering. The analysis further affirmed that consistent exposure to such content shaped users' perceptions, in line with the propositions of Cultivation Theory, while also reinforcing the emancipatory aims of Feminist Theory. The study concludes that social media platforms are significant tools for raising awareness and fostering behavioural change regarding domestic violence. It recommends that government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and individuals intensify their use of digital platforms to combat domestic abuse. Future research should consider broader geographical contexts and examine the intersection of social media use with traditional communication channels. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital activism, gender equity, and the transformative potential of technology in addressing human rights violations against women in Nigeria.