A contemporary appraisal of the law's response to domestic violence in Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	A contemporary appraisal of the law's response to domestic violence in Nigeria
Author:	Koyonda, Samson O.
Year:	1998
Periodical:	Lesotho Law Journal: A Journal of Law and Development
Volume:	11
Issue:	2
Pages:	317-345
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	assault and battery family law family
Abstract:	Acts ranging from wife beating and sexual abuse of wives and children, to physical and emotional torture, exist in varying degrees in most Nigerian societies, and there seems little doubt that domestic violence is widespread. Nigeria's principal legislation on domestic relations, the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1990, makes no mention of domestic violence. The absence of any definite legislative framework on domestic violence exacerbates the problem and explains the inability of Nigerian institutions to operate effectively. Currently, State institutions have excused marital rape, failed to outlaw female genital mutilation or even to recognize the practice by turning a blind eye to it, and permitted child and wife beating so long as it does not cause 'grievous injury'. As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Nigeria must demonstrate the political will to tackle these seemingly entrenched discriminatory practices dictated largely by cultural norms. Reform of Nigerian laws in this area is of the utmost necessity. Notes, ref.