Breaking the Silence: A Call for Action and Accountability in Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria is not merely a legal concern—it is a profound national crisis that affects the heart and soul of the nation. Behind the statistics, the laws, and the rhetoric, are the raw, painful stories of women, children, and vulnerable groups whose lives have been irrevocably altered by violence. While laws are in place to protect these individuals, the reality is that too many victims find themselves unsupported, unheard, and without the justice they deserve. The time has come for more than just policy reform. It’s time for action. It’s time for accountability.
In this article, we will explore how Nigeria can move beyond the theoretical frameworks of legal protections to create real, meaningful change in the lives of survivors of GBV. This is not just a call for legal reform, but a plea for a societal shift—one that ensures the laws are not just written, but actively enforced, and that perpetrators of GBV face the consequences of their actions.
The Deep-Seated Crisis of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria
The reality of GBV in Nigeria is both shocking and pervasive. The numbers are staggering: According to the United Nations, approximately 1 in 3 Nigerian women will experience physical violence during their lifetime. These figures, however, only begin to scratch the surface. The actual scope of the problem is likely far greater, as many victims—whether from fear, shame, or lack of resources—remain silent. Behind each statistic is a person—a mother, a daughter, a sister—whose life has been forever changed by violence.
GBV in Nigeria manifests in many forms: physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, trafficking, harmful traditional practices, and more. For far too many women and girls, these abuses are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a daily reality shaped by a culture that often diminishes their value, reducing their lives to little more than collateral in the fight for power and control.
But GBV is not just a women’s issue. It affects entire families and communities, robbing individuals of their dignity, their potential, and their right to live without fear. It strips away a sense of self-worth, leaving survivors isolated and often ashamed, unable to reach out for the support they desperately need. And yet, many still suffer in silence, enduring a cycle of violence that is reinforced by a lack of resources, inadequate support systems, and a culture of impunity.
The Laws Are In Place, But Justice Remains Elusive
Nigeria has enacted several legal frameworks aimed at addressing GBV, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) of 2015 and the Child Rights Act of 2003. On paper, these laws provide a much-needed shield of protection for women and children. However, the gap between legislation and implementation is vast, leaving many survivors without the protection they are entitled to under the law.
The reality is that enforcement of these laws is weak, inconsistent, and often nonexistent. Only 26 out of 36 states have fully adopted the VAPP Act, leaving vast regions of the country where survivors have no legal recourse. In addition, law enforcement officers often lack the proper training to respond effectively to GBV cases. In many instances, survivors are met with indifference, or worse, victim-blaming. Many survivors also face long delays in the judicial process, which can erode their faith in the system.
Despite the existence of laws that criminalize GBV, many perpetrators—especially those with power, wealth, or social status—remain free from prosecution. These individuals are able to exploit the weaknesses of the legal system, using their influence to escape accountability. This creates a dangerous culture of impunity, where survivors are left to suffer while their abusers remain unpunished.
The Toll of Gender-Based Violence: A Personal and Societal Tragedy
The consequences of GBV extend far beyond physical harm. Survivors face profound emotional and psychological trauma that can last a lifetime. Many women who experience domestic abuse or sexual violence struggle with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), conditions that often go unaddressed due to a lack of mental health support.
In addition to the emotional scars, survivors often face stigma and rejection from their communities. In some cases, they may even be blamed for the abuse they suffered. This societal rejection not only isolates survivors but also perpetuates the silence surrounding GBV. The fear of being ostracized or blamed can prevent many survivors from speaking out, leaving them trapped in abusive relationships without hope of escape.
The emotional and psychological damage caused by GBV is compounded by the physical harm. Survivors of sexual violence often face unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and long-term health complications. Many of these survivors lack access to proper healthcare, leaving them to suffer in silence. Moreover, the economic impact of GBV is devastating. Women who experience violence may be forced to drop out of school, leave their jobs, or remain in abusive relationships for financial security.
At the societal level, GBV undermines the very fabric of Nigeria’s communities. When women and girls are denied their basic rights, they are unable to contribute fully to the economy, education, or their communities. This perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality, limiting the potential of entire generations. The impact of GBV is not confined to individual survivors but ripples outward, affecting families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
Moving Beyond Laws to Real Action and Accountability
It is clear that while the laws in Nigeria are important, they are not enough on their own. To effectively address GBV, Nigeria must shift its focus from legislative reforms to practical action and accountability at every level of society. This includes strengthening law enforcement, providing comprehensive support to survivors, engaging communities, and holding perpetrators accountable.
1. Strengthening Law Enforcement and the Judicial System
For GBV laws to be effective, law enforcement officers and judicial authorities must be properly trained and equipped to handle cases with urgency and sensitivity. Specialized units within the police force should be established to respond exclusively to GBV cases, ensuring that survivors are met with empathy, support, and swift action.
Judges and prosecutors must also receive specialized training to handle GBV cases in a way that prioritizes the safety and well-being of survivors. The judicial process should be streamlined to minimize delays, ensuring that victims receive timely access to justice. The legal system must be fair but firm, sending a clear message that perpetrators of GBV will face consequences.
2. Providing Comprehensive Support to Survivors
Survivors of GBV should not be left to navigate their trauma alone. Comprehensive support systems must be established to provide medical, psychological, legal, and social services to survivors. This includes access to trauma-informed healthcare, mental health counseling, safe shelters, and legal aid.
Support services must be integrated, ensuring that survivors receive holistic care that addresses all aspects of their recovery. In addition to providing direct services, these systems must also prioritize confidentiality and safety to ensure that survivors are not further victimized.
3. Engaging Communities and Changing Attitudes
A critical component of addressing GBV is changing the attitudes and cultural norms that perpetuate violence. Public education campaigns are essential to raise awareness about gender equality, women’s rights, and the harmful impact of GBV on individuals and communities. These campaigns should aim to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote positive attitudes toward women and girls.
It is also essential to engage men and boys in the conversation about GBV. Educating them about healthy relationships, respect, and equality is crucial to preventing future violence. Changing societal attitudes toward gender roles is essential for breaking the cycle of violence.
4. Holding Perpetrators Accountable
For real change to occur, we must ensure that perpetrators of GBV are held accountable. This requires not only effective prosecution but also a cultural shift that no longer tolerates violence in any form. The legal system must prioritize accountability and ensure that perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
The fight against GBV also requires strong political will and leadership. Government officials, community leaders, and religious figures must take a stand against GBV and commit to driving the change needed to end this epidemic. Public accountability, transparency, and leadership are essential to ensuring that GBV is addressed at all levels.
A Collective Responsibility to End GBV
The fight against GBV in Nigeria is not just a legal challenge—it is a moral and societal imperative. The laws are essential, but they must be enforced with integrity, compassion, and urgency. Survivors must be supported, perpetrators must be held accountable, and the culture of violence must be dismantled. This is not just about protecting women and children—it is about safeguarding the future of the nation.
Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria is a national tragedy, but it is one that can be overcome. It is time for action, not just legislation. It is time for accountability. Together, we can create a future where every person, regardless of their gender, can live free from violence and fear. This is the promise we must make to the survivors, and this is the future we must build for all Nigerians.
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