COMBATING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE THROUGH EFFECTIVE LAW IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Gender based violence is the general term used to capture violence that occurs as a result of the normative role expectations associated with each gender, along with unequal power relationship between two genders within the context of a specific society. While women, girls, men and boys can be victims of gender-based violence, the main aim of this research package is on violence against women and girls. This is not to say that gender-based violence against men does not exist. For instance men can become targets of physical or verbal attacks for transgressing predominant concepts of masculinity. Men can also become victims of violence in the family -by partners or children. However it has been widely acknowledged that the majority of persons affected by gender-based violence are women and girls as a result of unequal distribution of power in the society between women and men. Women and girls, victims of violence suffer specific consequences as a result of gender discrimination. This research paper draws together existing data on the dimensions of violence against women worldwide and reviews available literature on the health, emotional, physical effects and consequences of abuse. It ages that the government, health, educational and other sectors in the society has a role to play in combating violence against women through increased research, screening and referral of victims and behavioural interventions. This research paper in its bid to confront violence addresses the root causes of abuse in addition to meeting the immediate needs of victims by challenging the social attitudes and beliefs that condone men's violence and renegotiating the balance between women and power at all levels of society. The purpose of his research work is to evaluate the existing laws at the international and national level regulating gender-based violence, examine its shortcomings and recommend solutions and effective laws to be adopted by the society and government that would contribute to the efficient and maximum reduction in the violence against women and girls and would lead to a safe, conducive and better environment for women and girls. The method used in this research was conceptual and analytical examination of legislative provisions concerning gender-based violence, trials, conviction obtained within and outside Nigeria. Reliance was placed on case aw, books., scholarly journals, articles, treaties, conventions, customs. This study examined the nature of gender-based violence causes and effects. It also analyzed the Nigerian and international extant legal framework enacted in response to gender-based violence leading to the discovery of the inadequacy of Nigeria extant laws in curing causes and discussed possible approaches towards the identified problems especially as it relates to the legal framework and administration of the criminal justice system.