Violence against women and girls is a prevalent human rights issue globally, with Nigeria grappling with a surge in Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly spousal battery and rape. Despite the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law, the situation continues to escalate, raising concerns about achieving gender equality and ending violence against women by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Shockingly, statistics from the GBV Data Situation Room reveal that 35% of Nigerian women, approximately one in three, experience violence, primarily from intimate partners. The Ministry of Women Affairs disclosed 27,698 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence between 2020 to 2023, emphasizing the urgency of the issue.

In Akwa Ibom State, the situation is dire, with 321 reported cases in 2023 alone. Both spousal battery and rape are prevalent, with 170 and 120 cases, respectively. Tragically, many women endure these horrors silently due to societal, cultural, and religious pressures. Even when they muster the courage to seek justice, they often face obstacles, including pressure to withdraw cases and pursue alternative dispute resolution.

A recent viral video of a lawyer, Barr Ebong Ekere, assaulting his half-clad wife shed light on the complexities victims face. Although Ekere was apprehended by the police, his wife later sought to withdraw the case, citing forgiveness and the impact on their children and family. This pattern of withdrawal impedes the prosecution of spousal battery cases, as highlighted by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).

The Director of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department, Barr Emem Etteh, emphasized the need for a paradigm shift. She pointed out that justice extends beyond the individual victim, encompassing societal repercussions. Her poignant accounts of victims, including a woman stabbed 26 times by her husband, underscore the urgent need to address spousal battery. Etteh’s plea for a crackdown on abusers aligns with the imperative to protect vulnerable women and children.

Etteh’s impassioned plea for justice and reformation echoes the essence of the VAPP law, advocating for the accountability of perpetrators and institutions. The gravity of the situation in Akwa Ibom is undeniable, with at least two women succumbing to spousal violence every two days. The cycle of abuse not only affects the immediate victims but also perpetuates intergenerational trauma, shaping the attitudes of children in abusive homes.

The harrowing accounts shared by Etteh underscore the urgency of addressing spousal battery and the need for unwavering law enforcement, corrections, and societal support. Her plea is a call to action, resonating far beyond the borders of Akwa Ibom, urging global solidarity in combating the scourge of spousal battery and advancing gender equality.

As the world grapples with the pervasive issue of GBV, the plight of women in Nigeria serves as a stark reminder of the long road ahead in achieving gender equality and ending violence against women globally.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence: A Call for Action and Justice

The harrowing tale of domestic violence echoes across countless households, yet one woman’s tragic fate underscores the urgent global crisis of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). In a society plagued by leniency and victim-blaming, the need for a seismic shift in mindset and action is glaringly evident.

A poignant account from a shelter coordinator reveals the chilling ordeal faced by a victim of spousal abuse. Her account, marred by unspeakable brutality, serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat that GBV poses. The survivor’s resilience amidst horror reflects the fortitude that countless women demonstrate in their fight for survival.

“The man still saw her somewhere and wanted to stab her and she was able to drag the knife from the man and escaped. The next time when she was going to work from the brother’s house, the husband stabbed her 26 times and she died.”

The stark reality of GBV is further compounded by the prevalence of forgiveness towards perpetrators, a phenomenon that perpetuates a culture of impunity. The Coordinator underscores the detrimental impact of pardoning offenders, citing a case where the victim’s forgiveness could have derailed the pursuit of justice in the absence of concrete evidence.

The President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) adds her voice to the discourse, shedding light on the disheartening trend of victims retracting their cases. She emphasizes the need for unwavering resolve in pursuing legal recourse, emphasizing that the complicity of the victims only emboldens the perpetrators.

The road to addressing GBV is undoubtedly arduous, but amid the darkness, glimmers of hope and practical solutions emerge. Advocates stress the importance of proactive measures, urging couples to seek mediation and counseling as preventive strategies. The Coordinator’s impassioned plea for amicable dispute resolution and the provision of support services underscores the pivotal role of early intervention.

“Also, couples should have someone they can be accountable to, a couple they respect, that have their interest at heart, you can discuss your matter with them and they can mediate.”

The essence of empowerment and validation resounds through the call to action. Encouraging victims to break the silence and report abuse, the Coordinator dispels the misconceptions surrounding guilt and culpability. The resounding message is clear – reporting GBV is not an act of transgression but a critical step towards reclaiming justice and dignity.

The narrative of GBV, though laced with despair, bears witness to the unwavering spirit of endurance and advocacy. As the world grapples with the scourge of gender-based violence, the clarion call for actionable change and steadfast solidarity reverberates across continents.

It’s imperative to recognize that the fight against GBV is a collective responsibility, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural divides. By amplifying the voices of survivors, advocates, and allies, the global community can galvanize a united front against this insidious crisis. Only through united resolve and unyielding determination can we hope to dismantle the deeply entrenched pillars of violence and herald an era of equity and safety for all.