Implementation Barriers and Enablers for Preventing Domestic Violence against Women in Northwestern Ethiopia: A Qualitative Implementation Research

Background: Ethiopia is signatory to various international and regional conventions, agreements and protocols related to violence against women, yet the many women suffer violence. To date, very little is known about how these conventions and protocols are implemented, and the barriers associated with implementation. Our study explored the barriers to implementation of domestic violence against women prevention policies and enablers in the Northwestern Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions among a total of 43 participants purposefully selected from different sectors and communities. Data were transcribed, coded and thematically analyzed using NVivo 11 software. Results: : Community-traditional gender-norms, budget constraints, poor planning and non-adherence to planned activities, lack of commitment, poor integration and inter-sectoral collaboration served as barriers to implementation of policies aimed at preventing domestic violence in Ethiopia. However, enablers of domestic implementation of violence prevention programs include community health extension program, women development ‘army’, policy frameworks, government’s political willingness, presence of school-based gender clubs. Conclusions: The implementation of existing evidence and policies was still poor at the community level due to lack of inter-sectoral collaboration, poor integration and stakeholders with competing priorities among others. Future intervention programs that would sustain and synergized domestic violence prevention, should integrate intersectoral collaboration and service within existing program.