SOCIO-LEGAL APPROACHES TO CURBING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Domestic Violence (DV) with particular emphasis on Violence against Women (VAW) has become a problem in Nigeria. Globally, studies have shown that globally domestic violence accounts for nearly one quarter of all recorded crimes. Women have been subjected to various forms of violence ranging from rape, battering, trafficking and even murder. This work examines the disturbing trend of Domestic Violence in Nigeria and argues that Domestic Violence is a violation of the rights of women guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, National and State Legislation, International and Regional Human Rights Instruments ratified by Nigeria. Notwithstanding the existing legal framework, many Nigerian women continue to be victims of domestic violence. This paper contends that social factors like Cultural and Religious Perception of women, Poverty and Loss of income, Illiteracy and Ignorance of women’s rights, among others, endanger domestic violence in Nigeria. Furthermore, this work posits that the law and society have a role to play in curbing domestic violence. Legal Reforms, Training of Police, Prosecutors and First Responders, Eroding Myths and Harmful Gender Stereotypes, Education and Empowerment of Women and Girls, among others are recommendations provided by this work. This work adopts the doctrinal research methodology.