ISSUE OF LEGAL PROTECTIONS AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner which could be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This research focuses on filling in certain gaps in knowledge which includes the reality of Inadequate Implementation and Enforcement of these Laws and protections which exist on paper as well as the limited Awareness and Accessibility of Victims who are unaware of their rights and the available legal protections. For the purpose of this work, the term gender-based violence is used interchangeably with violence against women, GBV is a human rights violation that has far reaching effects on both the physical and mental health of women. The aim and objective of this research is to identify the various Legal Protections available to Victims of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria and the effort of the authority in the application of these legal protections. The researcher adopted the doctrinal of research methodology. This research gathered that despite these copious provisions in our municipal laws and international instruments, there appears to be a gap between law and practice and gender-based violence seem to be on the increase. Women and girls still suffer unimaginable forms of abuse and violence in Nigeria. The role of society, cultural influence, and parental guidance cannot be over-emphasized in the curbing of domestic violence in our nation.