Domestic Violence Is Highly Prevalent In Nigeria Especially amongst Women and Girls – Report

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Abuja, Nigeria. November 26th, 2019 – The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was observed on the 25th of November 2019. The aim of the Day is to raise awareness on how women worldwide are subjected to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence as well as emphasizing that the scale and true nature of the issue is often concealed. Violence against women is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in the world today and remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it. It has continued to be an obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace as well as to the fulfilment of women’s human rights. The promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – to leave no one behind – cannot be fulfilled without putting an end to violence against women and girls. Therefore, it is an opportunity for governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to raise public awareness of violence against women.

Against this backdrop and in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, NOIPolls conducted a public opinion poll on domestic violence in Nigeria. The poll accessed the perceptions of Nigerians regarding Domestic Violence; its prevalence, practice, reporting of incidence as well as recommendations on how it can be curbed. The poll revealed that more than 8 in 10 (82 percent) Nigerians believe that domestic violence is prevalent in Nigeria and this assertion cuts across gender, geo-political zones and age-groups.

More findings from the poll show that despite prohibition by Section 34 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the rights of Nigerians against torture and other cold-hearted or degrading treatment; the majority of Nigerians (82 percent) disclosed that domestic violence of men against women is prevalent in the country. Similarly, men are also at the receiving end of domestic violence as 43 percent revealed that domestic violence of women
against men is prevalent. Sadly, 70 percent stated that domestic violence against children is prevalent and the South-West zone (80 percent) make up the highest percentage of Nigerians with this perception.

Furthermore, with regards to Nigerians who have either suffered or know someone who has suffered any form of domestic violence, the findings revealed that 47 percent of Nigerians have either been victims or know a victim of domestic violence. Of this proportion, 63 percent disclosed that most victims of domestic violence are women.

Violence against women is a serious concern, hence, the call for more protection of women from the menace of domestic violence in the society. Incidence of domestic violence remains largely under-reported as 55 percent of the respondents disclosed that these incidences were not reported. Finally, this International Day and the 16 Days of Activism are a timely opportunity to raise awareness for the health and social consequences of violence against
women and strengthen the commitment to collective action in Nigeria. These are some of the key findings from the Domestic Violence Poll conducted in the week commencing 18th November 2019.