MARITAL VIOLENCE AND THE LEGAL RIGHT OF WOMEN IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE.

ABSTRACT

Marital violence is a global phenomenon that has affected women all over the world. It violates the fundamental human rights of women in the society. Marital violence has devastating effect on women and it is one of the wide spread violation of right directed against women. Women often experience marital violence than men due to the society and the incidence of regarding women as the weaker vessel who are expected to be submissive to their husbands. It is a threat to the political cultural, social and economic development of the society. Amongst the various forms of marital violence, physical abuse is the most common form of violence which often leads to the death of the victim. Most cases of marital violence are not reported by the victims because of the fear of being stigmatized and also due to the fact that it is seen as a private matter. This work identified the prevalence of marital violence and the legal rights of women in Oredo local government area of Edo state, its causes, consequences and relevant legislative frame work. The relevant primary and secondary source were examined and relied upon in this work. It however concluded that marital violence against women is a common phenomenon in Oredo local government area of Edo state that needs the prompt intervention of the state, security agents and non-governmental organizations.

Keywords: Marital Violence, Causes, Consequences, Human Right