Introduction

In Cameroon, violent acts committed against women by their husbands are attracting more and more media attention. The public is becoming aware of the alarming increasing rates of conjugal violence. It is logical that we ponder the causes of these acts, which have cost many wives and mothers their lives. An in-depth examination of Cameroonian society allows us to identify multiple causes, the most notable being educational and metaphysical.

Causes Related to Education and Family Life

The education of young people is heavily influenced by violent content shared on social networks and in the media. These messages promote violence as an acceptable mode of expression, therefore creating a culture in which it becomes the norm. A man who has grown up seeing his father hit his mother is likely to reproduce this behaviour in adult life. He subconsciously notes that “this is how a woman should be treated”. In the same way, a young girl who watches her mother being abused without reacting may internalise the idea that she too must accept such abuse. It is difficult to break this intergenerational cycle without intervention. Teachers and authority figures also play a crucial role. If they do not condemn violence or promote gender equality they contribute to the perpetuation of these damaging stereotypes.

Causes Related to Spirituality or Meta-physicality

In Cameroon, certain spiritual practices, such as a form of bewitchment called tobassi, are widespread. These rituals involve the use of potions to attract the affections of a partner. Although certain women do turn to these practices to obtain love or marriage, they can have disastrous consequences. When the ritual loses its hold over the bewitched man, he can experience feelings of intense anger towards the woman who used these practices to control him. This anger often manifests itself in violence, both physical and verbal. Guardians of tradition warn against these rituals, claiming that the effects of bewitchment will always fade, leaving a toxic relationship in their place.

Data and Statistics

It is essential that we include some statistics to illustrate the magnitude of the problem. According to a recent study led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), more than 50% of women in Cameroon have been subjected to physical violence since the age of 15. In addition, one third of women have been victims of abuse in their own homes. These alarming figures underline not only the gravity of the problem, but also the need for immediate action to protect women’s rights and to promote gender equality.

Conclusion

In order to understand why the number of women subjected to conjugal violence is rising in Cameroon, it is crucial that we examine educational and metaphysical factors which are specific to a Cameroonian context. Raising awareness about these issues is essential to breaking the cycle of violence. Targeted educational campaigns must be put in place to change mentalities from the youngest possible age. We must act collectively to build a society where every woman can live without fear of becoming a victim of violence.