Gender Violence: Group Kicks, Receives 2,151 Cases In 11 months

Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC), has raised concern over the emerging trend of widespread gender-based violence in Nigeria, with more deaths recorded in recent times.

The group in a statement on Monday, said the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a time to direct world attention to the problem.

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“This period should be a time where all a sundry should be committed to fighting the scourge and cast light on the radar on the long-term effects of violence on members of society,” the statement read.

Founding Director of WARDC, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, called on the Federal Government to create more institutions that can address the root causes of gender-based violence, the impunity that often goes with the scourge, implement policies and enact laws, for a stronger national response that can support victims and survivors of violence.

According to her, “The 16 Days of Activism against GBV is also a time to remember victims and survivors of GBV and further re-evaluate the effectiveness of interventions currently in place to address the problem. This year alone WARDC was able to respond to about 2,151 cases of gender-based violence, most of which were domestic violence’

She noted that domestic violence takes many forms including physical, sexual, emotional, economic and mental. Traditionally, domestic violence is mostly committed against females. Common forms of violence against women in Nigeria are rape, acid attacks, molestation, wife beating, and corporal punishment.

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“GBV is hindering national productivity as it is occurring amongst people in the productive age group who are having to deal with the negative physical and psychological consequences of the vice.

“There should be continuous review of the existing policies and laws on GBV in order to accommodate best practices of GBV strategies in nipping the scourge in the bud,” Akiyode-Afolabi said.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to end violence against women and girls.

The campaign runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

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