AN OVERVIEW OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND PROTECTION OF WOMEN UNDER NIGERIA LAW

Abstract

Over time, the problem of domestic violence among couples transcends natural frontiers and has received global condemnation in legal instruments produced at both domestic and global institutions and treaties in which Nigeria as a country is signatory to or acceded. The major causes of this violence are distinct and include inter alia the socio-economic position of the genders. Domestic violence is an ill that is predominantly believed to be suffered by women and children only, but the truth is that men and women are affected or victims alike. Men are also abused verbally, physically, emotionally, psychologically and sexually. For instance, a man whose wife locked outside for returning late or a man denied food or beaten is a victim of domestic violence. It is a regular part of most women’s experience in Nigeria, especially in the homes where the expectation of every member is the attainment of psychological uplift and growth. Nigeria has equally risen to the occasion over the years and laws have been put in place to combat this menace of domestic violence. Several governmental and non-governmental institutions have played roles in combating the issue of domestic violence with significant results achieved over the years. The main objective of this study is to critically appraise domestic violence as a hallmark of marriage instability: the need to review laws relating to marriage in Nigeria as well evaluate some legislations that are primarily targeted at putting an end to the menace of domestic violence in Nigeria. In the course of carrying out this research, doctrinal research methodology was adopted and we found out among other things that the rate of dissolution of marriage contract in Nigeria is speedily rising and one of its major causes is domestic violence among others. We recommended among others that the importance of raising awareness about issues relating to women's, children's, and men's rights cannot be over-emphasized and there is need to put in place stringent measures that would totally bring to an end domestic violence, and that Police and legal officers should be given special orientation and special guidelines on how to handle domestic violence cases. We also concluded that the laws on marriage contract should be reviewed so as to bring in provisions that would stamp out domestic violence.