AN APPRAISAL ON THE VIOLENCE AGAINST PERSONS PROHIBITION ACT, 2015

ABSTRACT

The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015 is a Nigerian law that seeks to address various forms of violence against individuals, particularly women and children. The law criminalizes various acts of violence, including rape, female genital mutilation, and domestic violence, and provides for the punishment of offenders. The law also establishes various institutions and mechanisms for the prevention and management of violence, including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Violence Against Persons Implementation Committee. While the law has been praised for its comprehensive approach to addressing violence, some critics have raised concerns about its implementation and enforcement, particularly in rural areas where traditional practices may be more prevalent. Overall, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015 represents an important step towards protecting the rights and safety of vulnerable individuals in Nigeria. However, a critical analysis of the VAPP Act suggests that while it is a positive step toward protecting women from gender-based violence, there are gaps in the legislation that need to be addressed.1 The geographical reach of the law is also limited, as it applies only to the Federal Capital Territory unless adopted by individual states. Therefore, effective implementation and advocacy for its adoption by all states in the federation are seen as crucial steps to maximize its impact. The act represents progress in addressing gender-based violence in Nigeria, but further actions are needed to ensure its effectiveness and comprehensive protection of women.