As the world observes Human Rights Day and concludes the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication has called for urgent and comprehensive measures to tackle the persistent and devastating effects of GBV in Nigeria.
According to a statement from the impact house GBV continues to be a critical human rights violation, infringing on the rights to life, dignity, freedom, and security as enshrined in international conventions and the Nigerian Constitution despite legislative strides such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Act, enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving many survivors without justice or support.
The statement added that harmful practices like child marriage, female genital mutilation, and domestic violence disproportionately affect women and girls saying data from the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that at least 30 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.
According to the statement the 2024 Womanity Index by Invictus Africa indicates that Lagos, Rivers, and Ekiti states have the highest GBV prevalence, with domestic or intimate partner violence being the most common form. Alarmingly, 70 per cent of GBV incidents occur within homes, and over 34 percent of survivors seek help from family members rather than law enforcement, often due to mistrust in the system.
ImpactHouse emphasises that laws alone are insufficient to combat GBV in Nigeria. Government at all levels must transition from legislation to tangible action and accountability.
To effectively address GBV, ImpactHouse highlights the need for strengthened legal frameworks, urging state governments to enact and implement the VAPP Act, establish dedicated GBV courts, and provide improved legal aid services for survivors.
It also calls for increased funding, including allocating adequate resources to support the enforcement of GBV laws, and creating shelters, crisis hotlines, and sexual assault referral centres, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Law enforcement and judicial reforms are crucial, with mandatory training programmes needed to ensure survivor-centred responses and eliminate harmful biases. Clear guidelines and protocols for handling GBV cases must be developed to ensure timely and fair justice.
Public awareness campaigns targeting families, communities, and schools are essential to challenge patriarchal norms, harmful cultural practices, and GBV stigma. Additionally, local governments must establish accessible community-based support centres to address the unique challenges faced by survivors in rural areas.
ImpactHouse stresses that addressing GBV requires legislative measures, sustained action, adequate funding, and a collective commitment to breaking the cycle of violence human Rights calling all stakeholders to prioritise the fight against GBV and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear and violence.
