VIOLENCE AGAINST PERSONS (PROHIBITION) ACT 2015: ADVANCING LEGAL PROTECTIONS OF WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Violence against Women is a reoccurring phenomenon in Nigeria. It crosses cultures, religions and zones. It is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between women and men, which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men and to the prevention of the full advancement of women. Violence against women is not only a gross human rights violation; it is a public health epidemic and a major impediment to national and global development efforts to reduce poverty. The purpose of this study is to analyze current legislation on violence in Nigeria, the Violence against Person (Prohibition) Act 2015. It is a well designed regulatory instrument and a platform for action to advance, shield and fortify women against violence. The Act prohibits all forms of violence in private and public life and provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims, punishment of offenders, jurisdiction of courts and procedure for prosecution. The approach adopted is a contentment analysis of the provisions of the legislation. The author finds that existing legislations on violence lacked scope, massively discriminate against women and not in line with international best practices. The paper recommends urgent domestication of the Act by States.