Legal Protection Against Domestic Violence in Nigeria – What Every Victim Must Know
Table of Contents
What is Domestic Violence?
Types and Forms of Domestic Violence in Nigeria
Cultural, Social, and Legal Barriers to Reporting Abuse
Key Laws Addressing Domestic Violence in Nigeria
Overview of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAPP Act)
Lagos State’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA)
Other Relevant Laws and Provisions
How to Report Domestic Violence in Nigeria
Legal Procedures for Victims Seeking Protection
Role of the Nigerian Police Force and Human Rights Desks
How the Court Grants Protection Orders
Role of NGOs, Government Agencies, and Civil Society
Remedies and Compensation Available to Victims
Child Custody, Shelter, and Rehabilitation Provisions
Confidentiality and Safety of the Victim During Legal Process
Domestic Violence in Marriage – Can You Divorce on Grounds of Abuse?
Protection for Male Victims of Domestic Violence
Role of Religious and Traditional Institutions
How Technology Can Help Fight Domestic Abuse
Common Myths About Domestic Violence and the Law
Steps Victims Must Take Immediately After Abuse
How to Help Someone Facing Domestic Violence
Case Law and Judicial Precedents
International Treaties and Nigeria’s Legal Obligations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Introduction
Domestic violence is a silent epidemic ravaging countless homes in Nigeria. Behind closed doors, victims—mostly women and children—endure physical, emotional, psychological, economic, and sexual abuse from individuals they love and trust. In a society where cultural norms often suppress victims’ voices and trivialize their trauma, understanding the legal protections available becomes not just important—but life-saving.
In this comprehensive article, we explore what every victim must know about their legal rights, protection frameworks, reporting procedures, judicial remedies, and support systems. If you’re a victim, a survivor, a concerned family member, or an advocate, this guide equips you with vital knowledge to take action and seek justice.
1. What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence refers to any abusive behavior used by one partner to control or dominate another in an intimate or domestic relationship. It is not limited to physical violence—it includes verbal threats, emotional blackmail, sexual coercion, financial restrictions, isolation, and other forms of control.
In Nigeria, domestic violence is widespread but underreported due to shame, fear, or lack of awareness of legal remedies.
2. Types and Forms of Domestic Violence in Nigeria
Physical Abuse: Slapping, hitting, kicking, strangling, or use of weapons.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Insults, intimidation, manipulation, threats, gaslighting.
Sexual Abuse: Marital rape, forced sex acts, denial of reproductive rights.
Economic Abuse: Withholding money, restricting access to finances, sabotaging employment.
Verbal Abuse: Shouting, name-calling, humiliating remarks.
Social Abuse: Isolation from friends/family, control over movement.
3. Cultural, Social, and Legal Barriers to Reporting Abuse
Many victims in Nigeria suffer in silence due to:
Fear of stigma and judgment from society
Pressure from family or religious groups to stay married
Fear of retaliation or worsening abuse
Financial dependency on the abuser
Ignorance of their legal rights and options
4. Key Laws Addressing Domestic Violence in Nigeria
Nigeria’s legal framework includes both federal and state laws:
Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 – Applicable in the FCT and adopted in many states
Criminal Code Act (Southern Nigeria) – Addresses assault, battery, threats, and murder
Penal Code (Northern Nigeria) – Penalizes similar acts but with less emphasis on gender violence
Child Rights Act, 2003
Lagos State Domestic Violence Law, 2007
Matrimonial Causes Act (for divorce on grounds of cruelty)
5. Overview of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAPP Act)
This Act is the most comprehensive domestic violence law in Nigeria, providing:
Clear definitions of abuse
Protection orders for victims
Punishments for abusers (ranging from fines to imprisonment)
Compensation and rehabilitation for survivors
Rights to privacy, dignity, and medical care
The VAPP Act has now been domesticated in over 30 states, making it the most impactful legal instrument for protecting victims.
6. Lagos State’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA)
Lagos leads in state-specific initiatives. The DSVA offers:
Emergency help lines
Legal assistance
Counseling
Temporary shelter for victims
Court representation
Contact: 08000333333 (Toll-Free)
7. Other Relevant Laws and Provisions
The Nigerian Constitution – Section 34 guarantees the right to dignity.
Criminal Law of Lagos State – Recognizes rape within marriage.
Cybercrimes Act, 2015 – Protects victims of online stalking and threats.
Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules (FREP) – For constitutional redress.
8. How to Report Domestic Violence in Nigeria
You can report to:
Police stations (preferably human rights desks)
State DSVA offices
Ministry of Women Affairs
Human rights NGOs
Legal Aid Council
Mobile apps and help lines (e.g., SGBV app in Lagos)
Always request a case number or incident report for follow-up.
9. Legal Procedures for Victims Seeking Protection
Steps include:
Report the abuse formally
File for a protection order at a Magistrate or High Court
Seek temporary shelter or removal of abuser (if required)
Present medical or witness evidence
Request for custody of children or interim maintenance
10. Role of the Nigerian Police Force and Human Rights Desks
Human Rights Desks now exist in several police divisions, trained to:
Handle domestic violence cases
Offer trauma-informed support
Protect the identity of victims
Escort victims to hospitals or shelters
11. How the Court Grants Protection Orders
The Court may grant:
Interim Protection Order (IPO): Immediate short-term protection
Protection Order (PO): Long-term safety, no-contact directive
Eviction Order: Removal of abuser from the home
Custody Orders: To protect minors from abusive parents
12. Role of NGOs, Government Agencies, and Civil Society
Key organizations:
WARIF (Women at Risk International Foundation)
Project Alert on Violence Against Women
Mirabel Centre (Lagos)
NHRC (National Human Rights Commission)
FIDA (International Federation of Women Lawyers)
They provide legal aid, counseling, shelter, and social reintegration.
13. Remedies and Compensation Available to Victims
Victims may:
Receive monetary compensation from the abuser
Be awarded custody and maintenance
Receive free legal representation
Claim damages for emotional distress or injuries
14. Child Custody, Shelter, and Rehabilitation Provisions
Children involved in domestic violence cases may:
Be placed in the custody of the non-abusive parent
Receive counseling
Be placed under government child protection services if needed
Shelters across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt now offer safe refuge.
15. Confidentiality and Safety of the Victim During Legal Process
Under the VAPP Act:
Courts may sit in camera
Identities of victims and minors are protected
No publication of victim names without consent
16. Domestic Violence in Marriage – Can You Divorce on Grounds of Abuse?
Yes. Under the Matrimonial Causes Act, cruelty is a valid ground for divorce. The court may:
Dissolve the marriage
Award custody and maintenance
Divide property equitably
Order police protection for the spouse
17. Protection for Male Victims of Domestic Violence
While women are predominantly affected, men also suffer abuse. The law protects both genders. Male victims can:
File police reports
Apply for protection orders
Receive psychological help
18. Role of Religious and Traditional Institutions
Faith leaders can:
Encourage victims to speak out
Refer cases to legal and support systems
Avoid shielding abusers under the guise of “forgiveness”
Partner with CSOs to sensitize communities
19. How Technology Can Help Fight Domestic Abuse
Emergency apps with GPS and auto-alerts
Anonymous hotlines
Digital evidence storage (recordings, messages)
AI-powered legal aid chatbots
Social media for advocacy
20. Common Myths About Domestic Violence and the Law
Myth: “Only women can be victims.”
Fact: Men can be victims too.Myth: “You must have bruises to report abuse.”
Fact: Emotional abuse is legally actionable.Myth: “Police won’t do anything.”
Fact: Human rights desks are now available.
21. Steps Victims Must Take Immediately After Abuse
Seek safety – Leave the house if necessary.
Get medical attention – Preserve evidence.
Make a police report – Ask for a case reference.
Contact a lawyer or NGO
Apply for a protection order
22. How to Help Someone Facing Domestic Violence
Listen without judgment
Help them contact authorities or support organizations
Do not force them to leave until they’re ready
Offer safe housing or referrals
Remain patient and available
23. Case Law and Judicial Precedents
Mary Sunday v. The State (2018): A landmark case upholding the rights of a battered woman.
FCA v. FCA (2021): High Court awarded custody and protection order due to emotional cruelty.
Courts increasingly favor victim protection, especially when evidence is well-documented.
24. International Treaties and Nigeria’s Legal Obligations
Nigeria is a signatory to:
CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women)
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Maputo Protocol
These instruments obligate the state to prevent and punish domestic violence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I report my spouse for abuse without a lawyer?
Yes, police and DSVA can process reports without a lawyer.
Q: What if my abuser threatens to kill me?
Apply immediately for a protection order and request police protection.
Q: Can I withdraw a domestic violence case?
Yes, but the court may continue prosecution if it affects public interest.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Domestic violence is not a private family matter—it is a crime. No victim should suffer in silence. Nigeria’s legal system now provides clear pathways for victims to escape, heal, and rebuild. If you or someone you know is in danger, take action today.
Let us build a nation where every home is safe, every woman is heard, and every victim is protected under the law.
Need Help? Contact the Following:
📍 Chaman Law Firm
115, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos
📞 0806 555 3671
📧 chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
🌐 www.chamanlawfirm.com