DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: EFFECT ON WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This research work examines domestic violence and it effect on women and children in Nigeria. It is estimated that one out of every three women has experienced physical or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partners children may also observe and suffer these forms of violence. The physical, psychological and emotion effects of domestic violence in its victims can be severe and long lasting. Adopting doctrinal method, this research studies the effects of domestic violence on women and children. It studies extent legislation in order to ascertain provisions for the protection of victims if any, as well as assess the extent of impact of implementation of the provision in Nigeria.  The study also finds that women continue to be abused in several diverse forms.  This therefore requires concerted efforts to tackle the root cause. It therefore concludes that sometimes perpetrated in secluded places under several cultural and societal norms, the outcomes may be emotional/psychological trauma, physical injuries or even death. It has profoundly destructive consequences for Nigerian men, as well as women and children. The research finds domestic violence exists and the judiciary can also assist, make some recommendations for the policy implementation in a way that can end impunity for abusers and secure protection of the victims in the bid to contribute towards the mitigation, if not eradication of the social ill.