Domestic Violence: A Critical Appraisal of Law and Practice in Nigeria

Domestic violence transcends natural frontiers and has been condemned in legal instruments produced at both regional and universal institutions in which Nigeria has participated. It has been described as violence between members of a household, usually spouses, or other violent acts committed by one member of a household against another. It also covers the infliction of physical injury or the creation of a reasonable fear that physical injury or harm will be inflicted by a parent or a member or former member of a child’s household, against a child, or another member of the household. The root causes are varied and include inter alia the socioeconomic position of the genders. Domestic violence is a serious and pervasive social problem that has penetrated deep into society, the frequency in which it occurs in recent times is alarming, hence the need for all hands to be on deck in restraining this social menace. This paper examines what domestic violence entails, the role of laws on domestic violence, and proffers positive solutions in curbing the menace. The paper made some recommendations and concluded that ratified international treaties should be domesticated by the Nigerian government as they are needed and will become very effective and useful when domesticated in Nigeria.