Article
By Chukwudi George Ozalla
Gender Based Violence remains one of the most stubborn human rights challenges across the world, and the 16 Days of Activism observed every year from 25 November to 10 December continues to remind societies that violence is not a private matter but a direct assault on dignity, equality and freedom. The campaign opens on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on World Human Rights Day. The connection between both dates reflects the simple truth that a society cannot claim to respect human rights while violence thrives unchecked.
Gender Based Violence covers a broad range of harmful behaviour. It includes physical attack, domestic abuse, sexual violation, emotional intimidation, coercion, harmful traditional practices, economic deprivation, stalking, online harassment and child molestation. Women and young girls are worst hit group in Nigeria. Men also suffer violence but not in the same proportion and many keep quiet because of shame or social expectations. As a result, the true scale of abuse against men is underreported. What is clear is that violence touches every family, every social class and every part of the country.
National statistics reveal the size of the problem. The National Demographic and Health Survey estimates that more than thirty (30) percent of Nigerian women aged between fifteen (15) and forty nine (49) have experienced physical violence. UNICEF’s research shows that one (1) in four (4) Nigerian girls suffers sexual violence before the age of eighteen (18). The National Human Rights Commission NHRC has repeatedly stated that these numbers do not capture the full picture because many cases never reach any official channel. The Commission’s dashboard reports continue to show rising complaints from its state offices. In 2023 alone, over three thousand three hundred (3000) cases were logged and domestic violence, rape, harmful traditional practices, denial of custody and psychological abuse featured heavily. Lagos, Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, Cross River and Edo recorded notable spikes within the year.
The National Human Rights Commission NHRC under Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN has played a strong role in drawing attention to this crisis. The Commission’s community outreaches, public education programmes and frequent media briefings have helped push the issue into national consciousness. The dashboard approach also makes trends more visible to government agencies, civil society groups and the public. It shows, for instance, that violence cuts across rich and poor areas, urban and rural communities, and that children and teenagers face higher risks in unstable households or poorly regulated environments.
Nigeria is not without laws. The most significant modern legislation is the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act which became law in 2015. The Act is wide in scope. Section twenty three (23) criminalises emotional and psychological abuse. Section thirteen (13) deals with spousal battery. Section twenty four (24) outlaws harmful widowhood practices. Section twenty five (25) prohibits abandonment of a spouse or dependants. Section twenty one (21) addresses unlawful isolation and deprivation of liberty. The Act also modernises the definition and punishment of sexual offences. It creates stronger protection for survivors and places responsibility on the state to investigate and prosecute offenders.
The Child Rights Act remains an important instrument against child molestation, exploitation and all forms of abuse involving minors. The Constitution guarantees personal dignity and security. Many states have domesticated these laws. The challenge is not in writing the laws but in enforcing them.
This is where the system continues to fail. Many citizens have had real experiences that show how difficult it is to get law enforcement to act. A woman who reports domestic assault may be told to go back home and manage her marriage. A mother who complains that her child has been violated may be asked to provide money for mobilisation before officers can move. A man who reports that his partner destroyed his property may be ignored until he brings money. Officers sometimes ask both parties for money, leaving the case to whichever side can pay more. The routine demand for mobilisation or logistics support has become a silent barrier standing between victims and justice.
When officers do not respond promptly, perpetrators learn that consequences can be avoided. This cycle fuels more violence. Many families withdraw their cases because they cannot cope with repeated financial requests from officers. Some are discouraged outright. What should have been a simple investigation becomes a negotiation. This encourages impunity and leaves victims feeling abandoned.
Cultural pressures deepen the problem. Many communities still encourage silence. Families fear shame or stigma. Elders advise victims to cope. Harmful cultural practices, such as early marriage, forced marriage and degrading widowhood rites, remain active in some areas. Even in cities, workplace harassment, online blackmail and emotional abuse have become more common. Rising economic stress has also contributed to higher levels of tension in homes which sometimes leads to violence.
Year after year, Nigeria holds numerous events during the 16 Days of Activism. Civil society organisations, government agencies, development partners, religious groups and community organisations make presentations. Campaigns are launched. Schools and marketplaces host sensitisation programmes. Yet the numbers of violent cases continues to rise. The gap between public enlightenment and actual justice remains wide.
There are solutions that can change this reality. Enforcement of the VAPP Act must improve. Police officers require proper training to handle GBV cases with empathy and professionalism. Officers who demand money before performing basic duties should face disciplinary action. Every police division should have a functional GBV desk run by trained personnel. Technology can help. Anonymous reporting channels, emergency hotlines and digital platforms that bypass compromised officers can give victims a safer entry point.
Support systems also need expansion. Nigeria has too few shelters. Survivors often have nowhere to go and are forced back into abusive homes. States should create more safe houses, counselling centres and legal aid clinics. Social welfare officers and health workers must be trained to identify abuse early and respond quickly.
Community involvement is essential. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, market women, youth groups and school teachers can help shift cultural attitudes. When society openly rejects violence, the environment becomes less tolerant of abuse. Sensitisation must take place in public spaces and not just at conferences.
Men must also be part of the solution. While they experience fewer cases, their involvement shapes the success of preventive efforts. Boys must be raised with an understanding of respect, boundaries, emotional balance and responsible behaviour. Men who face violence must also have access to safe and non judgmental support. When both genders participate in the fight, the message becomes stronger and the impact more lasting.
The 16 Days of Activism serves as a pointer that violence weakens families, damages communities, slows development and undermines human rights. For Nigeria, it is also a reminder that laws alone cannot end the crisis. Institutions must work. Officers must act. Communities must support victims. The country must confront the cultural and institutional barriers that allow violence to thrive.
The fight does not end on 10 December. It must continue every day until safety and dignity become the lived reality of every person in Nigeria.
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, NEWSCOUNT
