The Politics of Domestic Violence Laws Against Women and the Dignity of Womanhood

Abstract

Studies on domestic violence against women (DVAW) reveals that the patriarchal and socio-cultural mindset of Nigerians, which tend to dignify the roles of men over women, thus encumbering the full implementation of the laws designed to protect the dignity of womanhood, is at the crux of factors militating against women. With the culture violence theory as theoretical framework for the study, Marilyn's ex-post-facto research method was adopted since the chapter utilized data gathered from previously analyzed studies on the subject of DVAW. Socio-cultural and the lackadaisical behavior of politicians were identified as pertinent factors influencing the rising cases of DVAW recorded, despite the presence of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPPA) laws that prohibit violence against persons in states, a factor impeding most women from attaining their full potential and dignity in African societies. The need to strengthen and increase sensitization about the essence of VAPPA laws and what women and girls stand to achieve by its enforcement were emphasized.