Gender-Based Violence

This research critically examines Nigeria's legal and institutional responses to gender-based violence against women and femicide, evaluating the effectiveness of criminal law and human rights enforcement mechanisms. Despite progressive legislation including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and ratification of international instruments like CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol, systemic institutional failure persists across all levels of Nigeria's justice system. The research identifies interconnected challenges undermining enforcement: chronic resource constraints, deeply embedded patriarchal attitudes among criminal justice actors, pervasive corruption, victim withdrawal under social pressure, geographic inconsistencies in law implementation, inadequate data systems, and insufficient survivor support infrastructure. While civil society organizations like Mirabel Centre, WARIF, and STER have provided essential services to thousands of survivors, these successes remain isolated rather than systematic. The findings reveal a profound gap between law and reality that constitutes a moral failure, yet demonstrate that effective responses are achievable when political will, adequate resources, and coordinated action align. This research concludes that Nigerian women have waited long enough for justice, and that Nigeria possesses the capacity to do better if it makes the necessary political choices and resource commitments. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, "Violence against women is not inevitable"—it is a choice Nigeria can make differently.

This study investigates gender-based violence (GBV) against women with physical disabilities in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, using a research methodology grounded in the Social Model of Disability and Feminist Theory. The chapter outlines the research design, population, sampling strategy, research instrument, methods of data collection and analysis, as well as ethical considerations and limitations. The methodology was carefully designed to ensure validity, reliability, and contextual relevance, with emphasis on the intersection of disability and gender in shaping experiences of GBV. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, enabling the collection of data at a single point in time to examine the prevalence, forms, and determinants of GBV without manipulating the study environment.. This design provided a cost-effective and efficient means of capturing both descriptive and correlational data within a sensitive and localized context. The target population included women aged 18years and above with physical disabilities in Oredo, estimated at approximately 125 based on data from the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and community health records. Stratified random sampling was adopted to ensure representation across age categories and types of physical disabilities, thereby reflecting the intersectional vulnerabilities emphasized in Feminist Theory. The study’s sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula, resulting in approximately 100 respondents to account for potential non-responses. Data was collected using the Women’s Safety and Support Questionnaire (WSSQ), a structured and culturally sensitive instrument developed to measure GBV prevalence, socioeconomic vulnerabilities, mental health impacts, and coping strategies. The instrument incorporated standardized items from validated tools such as the WHO Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence, complemented by open-ended questions for qualitative insights. Accessibility considerations included large-print versions and provisions for oral administration. Validity and reliability were ensured through expert consultation, alignment with established instruments, and a pilot test with 10 respondents. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of ≥0.7 confirmed internal consistency. Data collection was carried out by trained assistants using in-person and online administration, with sensitivity training provided to address disability inclusion and GBV-related issues. Data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS, alongside thematic analysis for qualitative responses.

Domestic violence remains a major social problem affecting women across the world. Studies have shown that globally, domestic violence accounts for a significant proportion of recorded crimes, with women being the most frequent victims. Women experience different forms of violence such as rape, physical battering, trafficking, and even murder. Although the level and nature of domestic violence vary from one society to another, its effects are often severe and far-reaching, leading to psychological, physical, emotional, and social disorders among victims.

In Nigeria, domestic violence cuts across different social, cultural, and economic groups, making it a persistent issue in society. Despite the efforts of international organizations such as the United Nations, through instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as constitutional provisions aimed at promoting equality and protecting human rights, many Nigerian women continue to experience violence within their homes. Victims often face difficulties in obtaining justice due to social stigma, legal barriers, and inadequate institutional support.

This paper therefore examines the reported incidence of domestic violence against women, its various effects on victims, and the challenges associated with seeking justice. It further provides recommendations that may help reduce the occurrence of domestic violence and promote the protection of women’s rights in society.