Is Nigeria doing enough to curb domestic violence?
Development Diaries reports that a man identified as Ekere Ebong was seen in a viral video brutalising his wife at their residence in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The woman, whom her neighbours later rescued, could be heard begging her husband to stop beating her.
According to data from the sexual and gender-based violence response department in the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice, from January to 24 November, 2023, Akwa Ibom registered at least 321 occurrences of gender-based violence (GBV), including 120 cases of rape.
Section 44 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 provides for action to prevent and respond to violence against persons. It also recognises GBV as a form of discrimination.
Akwa Ibom State domesticated the VAPP Act in 2020, but how well have the provisions of this Act been enforced in the state?
Nigeria’s efforts to combat GBV have been hampered by several issues, such as weak legal systems, low public awareness, and societal stigma, while women continue to find themselves vulnerable to physical, emotional, and economic abuse within the confines of their homes.
The legal system’s response to domestic violence is often insufficient, with gaps in legislation and enforcement that allow perpetrators to evade accountability. Furthermore, the lack of awareness and education about domestic violence contributes to a culture of silence, making it difficult for victims to report incidents or access support services.
Development Diaries calls on the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee (AKSGBV) to conduct an investigation into this incident and make sure that the offender is punished under the law.
