Domestic violence in marriage is a significant and pervasive problem that impacts people and families all throughout the world, especially in Nigeria. Any type of abuse or violence—physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or economic—that takes place in the course of a marriage or other domestic partnership is referred to as domestic violence. Domestic violence is taken seriously by the law in Nigeria, as it is in many other nations, and there are safeguards in place to safeguard victims and hold offenders accountable. Here’s an overview of the position of the law regarding domestic violence in marriage in Nigeria:
1. The 2015 Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act:
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP Act) is the main legislative framework addressing domestic violence in Nigeria. The definition of violence in this statute includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse and offers victims a variety of legal remedies.
2. Orders of Protection:
The VAPP Act gives the court the authority to impose protection orders in order to safeguard victims of domestic abuse. Restrictive orders, orders to remove the offender from the shared house, and orders to stop further abuse are some examples of these orders.
3. Infractions of the Law:
Crimes resulting from domestic violence may be prosecuted. Under Nigerian criminal law, offenders may be tried for offenses like assault, battery and other pertinent crimes and where found culpable, conviction may result in imprisonment term and or other penalties.
4. Mechanisms for Reporting:
Law enforcement agencies are urged to receive reports of domestic violence from victims. Numerous police stations have sections devoted to addressing domestic abuse crimes and helping victims.
- 5. Support Services: The law acknowledges the necessity of providing victims of domestic violence with support services. In Nigeria, a number of governmental and non-governmental organizations offer victims counseling, shelter, legal support, and other services.
6. Divorce and custody proceedings: The court may take domestic abuse evidence into account when deciding on child custody in divorce or custody cases. The courts’ interest is to preserve the victim’s safety and the child’s best interests.
- 7. Education and Public Awareness: In Nigeria, initiatives are being made to increase understanding of domestic abuse, inform people about its effects, and motivate victims to get assistance.
It’s crucial for those who have been subjected to domestic abuse to be aware of their legal options and to act quickly to get help. It is highly recommended that you get in touch with law enforcement or a legal expert who can offer help and direction if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence. Domestic abuse is illegal, and laws are in place to safeguard victims and punish offenders responsible.