This book explores the changing nature of domestic violence in contemporary society, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Moving beyond conventional understandings of intimate partner violence, it examines domestic violence as a broader pattern of abusive behavior that affects individuals, families, and communities across diverse social contexts.

Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, the book investigates how cultural norms, religious beliefs, gender expectations, and social structures shape experiences and responses to domestic violence. It highlights the complex and evolving forms that abuse can take, including violence within intimate relationships, parent–child and sibling relationships, and violence affecting wider networks of family and community members. The book also considers emerging challenges, such as the growing visibility of male victims of domestic violence, femicide, violence against persons with disabilities, and technology facilitated gender-based violence.

Bringing together contributions from scholars across different cultural and disciplinary backgrounds, the book offers critical insights into the social, cultural, and structural factors that sustain domestic violence, while illuminating the diverse ways it is experienced and understood across societies. By addressing both enduring and emerging forms of abuse, this book provides an important resource for researchers, students, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates working in the fields of criminology, sociology, gender studies, social work, and African studies.

Tolulope Adeogun is at University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Dorcas Ettang is at Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

Litlhare Rabele is at University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Abidemi Isola is at Babcock University, Nigeria.

Omololu Fagbadebo is at Durban University of Technology, South Africa.