Sociological Trend to Investigate the Forms of Gender Based Violence, Its Frequency and Inherent Vulnerability Consequences Among Women and Children in Nigeria

摘要

Issues/ Objectives: Violence towards women and children takes many forms - physical, sexual, psychological, restricted freedoms, coercion and threats which cuts across the segment of the society- the family institution, schools, the poor and the rich. The study aims to establish forms of gender based violence among women and children, its frequency, inherent vulnerability among the populace and attendant effects on the society. Methods/Description: The survey investigated the forms of gender based violence, its frequency and devastating consequences such as life long emotional distress mental health problems, poor reproductive health and SIT/ STD/HIV/AIDS infections among 500 women and children victims in four locations in Nigeria -Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja and Kaduna. Results: The survey revealed that gender based violence was more rampant in homes, schools, tertiary institutions and the types of violence included rape, child abuse, abduction, abduction, torture, molestation, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, dating violence, battering, verbal abuses and intimidation. The study revealed that victims were under unfavorable psychological, emotional and physical states, results of substance abuse, anger, poverty and transferred aggression from their abusers. Conclusion/RECOMMENDATIONS: Civil society, institutions, government should build and sustain strong multi-sectoral prevention strategies with systematic and sustained actions coordinated across the segment of the society; and urgent concrete measures (laws) to secure gender equality and protect women's human rights should be established and sustained in Nigeria. The root cause of gender based violence should be tackled i.e. to find out why this abusers demonstrate libidinous proclivity and unbridled bestiality, is it a function of environment? Does violent environment catalyze gender-based violence?