When does it end?? Domestic Violence in Nigeria

 Domestic violence manifests in various forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and mental abuse. In Nigeria, it is a significant social issue, with women bearing the brunt of this violence. Despite being a violation of fundamental human rights under the Nigerian constitution, there is no capital punishment for abusers, and the problem remains widespread.

Recent media reports highlight the severity of the issue, such as the tragic case of Mrs. Ronke, who was allegedly beaten to death by her husband. Weekly, the media reports on various instances of violence, including cases like a father raping his daughter or a wife fatally stabbing her husband. This growing visibility underscores the increasing prevalence of domestic violence.

Domestic violence impacts not only the victims but also their children. While media coverage and increased awareness are positive developments, government action remains insufficient. Some states, like Lagos, Cross River, Jigawa, Ekiti, and Ebonyi, have enacted laws to combat domestic violence, but these laws lack stringent penalties for offenders.In contrast, the United States has federal and state laws, including the 1994 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which aims to improve victim services and enforce legal consequences for perpetrators.

 Similarly, in the United Kingdom, reported domestic abuse cases in England and Wales increased by 31% between 2013 and 2015, prompting measures like the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to address repeat offenders with potential prison sentences.In Nigeria, abused women often face significant barriers to legal protection. They may be mistreated by the law and marginalized by society, with limited support services available. Even when seeking help, victims might be returned to their abusers by their own families, risking further harm.Fortunately, media outlets are raising awareness about domestic violence, and some churches are actively speaking out against it. However, these efforts alone are not enough to address the issue comprehensively.To combat domestic violence effectively, a multifaceted approach is needed.

 First, there must be a reorientation of women and girls to understand the difference between love and abuse, addressing the high levels of illiteracy and ignorance about their rights. Second, boys and men need to be educated about the unacceptability of violence against women. Finally, the government must enact robust laws with clear penalties for offenders and establish protections for victims. 

The question I would like to leave for my readers is" why do women choose to stay"