CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS TACKLING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Domestic violence against women in Nigeria is a widespread phenomenon making news headlines on a daily basis with gloomy stories of single parenthood, mutilation, depression, horrific ill treatment, suicide, or even death trailing each occurrence. The home that should ordinarily be a safe haven for such women is turned to a battleground where disagreement and fisticuffs is the currency being spent.  Despite the availability of enacted laws and institutional framework put in place to tackle this menace, its surge is still alarmingly high. This study adopts the doctrinal research methodology in critically analyzing existing institutions tackling domestic violence against women. The various trends to violence within Nigeria and in jurisdictions outside Nigeria are also examined. This study reveals the notoriety of the culture of silence and the low reportability of cases of domestic violence. It discusses the likely factors responsible like social stigmatization and how they can be improved upon. The research findings reveal that collaborative efforts between institutions would be rewarding as their activities are interconnected and none can barely function effectively without recourse to one another. The article concludes that domestic violence against women in Nigeria which is incredibly high will nosedive where there is attitudinal change and relevant stakeholders work towards stamping it out. Based on the research findings, the study recommends preventionist strategies like relationship counselling sessions, training and retraining relevant stakeholders in the discharge of their duties. It also recommends the strengthening of available institutions so that the fight against domestic violence will be effective.