Law and Gender Based Violence in Cross River State

Abstract of Law and Gender Based Violence in Cross River State

This study examined law and gender based violence in Ogun State. The word gender has been an explicit concern in women’s history. Across the world generally, a large proportion of women don’t have an equal share of land, credit, education, employment, and political power, in comparison to the men of their society. Yet, in many societies across the world, women have seen to have played crucial roles in development of a nation. However, in Nigeria, women have been demoted to the background.

The research objectives were to; discuss the nature and causes of gender-based violence in Ogun State; identify the existing laws that address GBV in Ogun State; determine the effectiveness of laws and policies in mitigating GBV in Ogun State; analyze the challenges to a legal approach to addressing GBV in Ogun State; and to explore other possible measures for addressing GBV in Ogun State. This research work made use of qualitative source of data, through which data were gathered using journals, reports, articles, newspapers, treaties, textbooks and various statutes which would be obtained from online sources.

The findings showed that, frustration, anger, poverty, socio-cultural discrimination, lack of finance, religious practices; and, the patriarchal nature of the Nigerian society, which has seen men as superior to women, among others are the identified causes of gender based violence. It was further revealed that, Child Rights Act, Violence against persons prohibition act, and Person with disabilities bill are the identified existing laws on gender based violence in Ogun State.

The study recommends that, existing laws on gender based violence should be reviewed in order to effect the flaws contained in it, so as to strengthen it effectiveness and protect the rights of female gender in the Nigerian society. Policy makers should formulate laws and policies that will punish offenders of gender based discrimination against women and to ensure that perpetuators of such acts face the law accordingly, as this will help reduce the menace in the society. Lastly, in order to cushion violence against women, there is need for constant public education and enlightenment with the aim of raising awareness among Nigerian populace.