This article aims at addressing the menace of domestic violence particularly in Nigeria. This is necessary because of the alarming trend of domestic violence cases constantly recorded on daily basis.
Prior to this period, women are usually in the forefront as victims when cases of of domestic violence sprout up for discussion. However, this is no longer the case as there are in recent times, a new trend of increasing number of male victims irrespective of age.
Flowing from the alarming rate of this menace, it has become a matter of outmost concern and needs to be addressed, regardless of the gender involved or victimized. Generally, Nigerian legislation not only prohibit but also made it an offence with different punitive measures depending on the degrees and nature of each case.
Before we proceed further in this discussion, it is pertinent to understand the concept “Domestic Violence”.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence has been defined notoriously as violence committed by someone in the victim’s domestic circle. It’s a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner. This includes partners and ex-partners, immediate family members, other relatives and family friends who in most cases shares close consanquinity and affinity with the victim.
The term ‘Domestic violence’ is used when there is a close connection or relationship between the offender and the victim. There is usually a power gap between them as the victim in most times, dependent on the offender.
What are the common forms of Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence are of diverse nature. However, few amongst others which are physical, sexual, psychological and emotional violence will form the basis of this discussion.
Physical Domestic Violence.
This form of domestic violence comes in the way of inflicting or attempting to inflict physical bodily injury on the victim. Also, it can be said to involve the use of physical force against another. For example assault and battery.
Sexual Domestic Violence.
This involves coercing or attempting to coerce any sexual contact without the victim’s consent. It involves the violation of an individual’s bodily integrity. Further note that, It’ll be immaterial even if consent is gotten as long as such consent is induced or involuntary. Examples are rape, sexual assault and any other unwelcomed sexual behavior or advances.
Verbal Domestic Violence.
This involves uttering hateful speeches, derogatory or demeaning words, insults and words to victims.
Psychological Domestic Violence.
This involves acts which instill or attempt to instill fear so as to coerce such a victim to act or behave in such a manner he/she would not have ordinarily acted if given the freewill to so do. It tends to devalue, demarket or reduce the worth of the victim. Examples includes but not limited to intimidation, threat to cause harm, blackmail etc.
Emotional Domestic Violence.
This involves undermining or attempting to undermine the victim’s sense of worth or esteem. Examples are manipulating victim’s feelings and emotions to induce guilt, insults, belittling victim’s abilities and competency, name calling and constant criticism
Economic Domestic Violence.
This involves making or attempting to make the victim financially dependent on the abuser. Examples of this form are, maintaining total control over financial resources including victim’s earned income or resources, withholding money and/or access to money among other mechanism in this regard.
In Nigeria however, the duo of physical and sexual abuse are given prominence while most developed countries have taken a step further to include other forms of violence. Please watch out for our next article on several Nigerian legislations that criminalizes these forms of domestic violence.
Who are the victims of domestic violence?
Domestic violence as earlier stated occurs in the victim’s domestic circle.Therefore, victims of domestic violence are mostly, couples, women, elderly, children, relatives, domestic helps, household members and many more.
Generally, anyone can be a victim of domestic violence regardless of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith or class irrespective of socio economic backgrounds and education.
In conclusion, it is widely established that women and children are considered the most frequent victims while men are the most frequent abuser. It’s on this note we advise that you speak to us should you notice any of the above mentioned infractions either against you or someone close to you.
We hope you had a good read and have been enlightened.
For clarifications, questions in respect of this article or any other legal issue of concerns, do well to contact us as we are readily available to attend to you.
