Critical Evaluation of Domestic Violence Epidemic on Nigerian Women: Existing Laws and Need for Reforms.
Following recent cases of domestic violence against women in Nigeria, the relevance, adequacy and efficiency of Nigeria’s legal framework on issues bordering on violence within the domestic sphere has come under intensive scrutiny and debate. Commentators have stressed the need for stricter laws to break down the high walls that make the menace invincible and a reoccurring decimal. This paper employs a doctrinal approach in critically appraising domestic violence against Nigerian women and evaluating available laws. An attempt is made to highlight the available legal framework on domestic violence in Nigeria, amplify the deficiencies of these legal protections towards enhancing their efficacies and fostering the protection of the rights of women against abuse in Nigeria. The paper suggests ways to enhance the effective implementation of Nigeria’s intimidatingly vast legal regime among which are legal and regulatory reforms.