Why Spike In Sexual, Domestic Violence Despite Severe Legal Sanctions

…There’s Need For Parental Responsibility, Systemic Reforms — Opara, SAN

…Collapsed Value System, Economic Hardship Could Be Responsible — Ugwumadu

…Religious Leaders Expected To Be Moral Compass Have Been Implicated — Cleric

Nigeria, despite enacting strong legal frameworks to combat sexual and domestic violence, is seeing an alarming increase in such crimes. While laws exist to punish perpetrators, enforcing them remains a significant challenge, putting countless victims at risk and highlighting a societal issue that extends beyond the law. This alarming increase highlights the critical need for a multifaceted approach that goes beyond legislation to address the underlying causes of this violent epidemic.TITILOPE JOSEPH writes

Despite the existence of strict legal frameworks and increased public awareness campaigns, Nigeria is experiencing a concerning increase in sexual and domestic violence. According to reports, these crimes are on the rise, fuelled by deeply ingrained societal norms, economic hardship, conflicts, and ineffective law enforcement responses.

Although sexual and domestic violence affects both genders, women and children are particularly vulnerable. According to the 2008 Demographic and Health Survey, more than 30.5% of married women in Nigeria have experienced some form of physical, emotional, or sexual violence in their marriage.

Furthermore, approximately 25% of women reported are experiencing forced sex at the hands of their current or former partners. More recent statistics paint an even bleaker picture, revealing a growing culture of impunity and insufficient victim protection measures.

Experts attribute the rise in sexual and domestic violence to a complex interplay of societal norms, economic hardship, conflict, and institutional failures. While these factors have long contributed to gender-based violence, the current economic downturn, combined with ineffective law enforcement, has exacerbated the problem.

Domestic violence is frequently dismissed or even justified in many Nigerian communities. Women are frequently told that enduring abuse is a requirement of marriage, and young girls are shamed into silence when they report sexual assault. This deeply ingrained culture of silence, empowers perpetrators, allowing them to operate with impunity.

Civil rights lawyer Malachy Ugwumadu recognises the role of societal attitudes in the crisis, saying, “Our value systems have collapsed. Many people have lost faith and hope, leaving them willing to do anything, even if it means sacrificing human dignity.”

Religious and cultural beliefs make matters even more complicated. Survivors are sometimes pressured to forgive their abusers in the name of reconciliation, even if it means jeopardising their safety.

Nigeria’s struggling economy has put enormous strain on families, resulting in increased domestic tensions and, in some cases, violence. With rising inflation and unemployment, many families are struggling to make ends meet, and frustration frequently manifests as aggression.

In Lagos, where the government has made significant efforts to combat gender-based violence, the figures remain alarming. According to Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the DSVA, over 6,333 survivors received assistance in 2023, with an average of 300 new cases reported each month.

While the increase in reported cases indicates that more victims are coming forward, it also highlights the gravity of the situation. The Lagos State Government has declared zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence, but the question remains: are these measures sufficient?

Religious leaders and educators, who are supposed to be moral role models, have also been implicated in sexual crimes, exacerbating the crisis. Several high-profile cases have revealed how those charged with shaping young minds and guiding spiritual development have instead become predators.

One such case involved Pastor Feyiropo Daniel, who was charged with allegedly raping a church member. In another case, a Muslim cleric was convicted of repeatedly molesting minor girls. Even teachers who are entrusted with the care of students have been imprisoned for abusing their charges.

In response to the alarming rise in sexual and domestic violence in Nigeria, Mr Victor Opara (SAN) noted that, despite existing laws, judgements, and other measures, the problem persists.

According to him, the government has been working to educate Nigerians, but the root of the problem is deeper.

“I do not understand what else you expect the government to do. The very first education occurs with parents. Have the parents properly educated their children? Have the parents spoken with their children?”

Opara emphasised that sexual harassment should not be viewed solely as a criminal offence, but rather as a societal issue with deep roots in family values. He contended that many parents tolerate inappropriate clothing for their children, which contributes to the problem.

“You will find parents who allow their children to wear provocative dresses. On numerous occasions, you will see those children dressed inappropriately, and I am not just talking about females; men are also included. Women often sag up to their buttocks and wear provocative dresses, which they refer to by various names. The lack of coverage can be provocative. Naturally, you will attract people to look at you. And in some cases, you may be sexually violated.”

He also cited religious teachings that promote modest clothing to reduce sexual temptations. “That is why, in many religions, people are taught to cover their bodies. It is not for any reason; it is simply to ensure that the eyes of the opposite sex do not see anything that will cause their body to become overly aroused. What do you expect when you see a lady wearing an almost-pant, this thing, or whatever you call it, sitting across from a man? The man will become aroused. And if he cannot woo that lady, you will see him claiming he will make advances.”

Opara denied that there are many convictions for sexual offences, claiming that a large number of cases go unreported due to stigma. “As you can see, governments have very little to play. There are laws, and they are in place. I can tell you that in Lagos State, for example, sexual offences such as rape, sexual assault by penetration, and sexual harassment carry severe penalties. Rape is punishable by life in prison, whereas sexual harassment is punishable by at least three years. But, despite these laws, how many cases are prosecuted?”

He highlighted the difficulty of proving sexual offences in court: “Sexual offences must be proven with almost mathematical precision.

” When someone is raped, the normal course of action is to seek medical attention right away so that the victim can be examined and the perpetrator arrested. Forensic tests can sometimes link the crime to DNA traces left by the offender. But this does not always occur. It is almost too late for victims to report to their parents, then to the police, because there is no evidence.”

He also criticised law enforcement agencies for corruption and inefficiency in dealing with sexual assault cases:

“You can see that there is a lot of bribery and corruption among law enforcement officials. Many offenders bribe law enforcement to avoid punishment. That is the truth. When you have money, you can bribe. That is why NGOs must step up their efforts to ensure that these cases are properly pursued.”

Opara harshly criticised religious institutions and schools for failing to uphold their moral responsibilities.

“How many religious organisations have penalised members who commit these offences? What internal and external controls do they have? Many of these self-proclaimed preachers take advantage of their congregation members. There are examples all over the place. A child who visits a pastor is vulnerable, and they take advantage. I do not see why a person would go to a pastor’s house at midnight in the name of a vigil.”

He also criticised modern churches for prioritising profit over moral teachings:

“Back then, churches established schools to educate and train children. How many churches are doing this now? Many churches and I am not naming names, open schools for profit. Because they are profit-driven, they are no longer concerned with instilling good values.”

To effectively address sexual and domestic violence, Opara advocated for increased public education and systemic reforms. “I believe we need to educate victims more about reporting these offences. The government must do a lot of education to ensure that if someone is raped, it is not the end of the world. Mechanisms must be in place to ensure that victims report incidents without feeling ashamed. Witnesses are protected under criminal justice law. You can mask witnesses, allow them to testify via Zoom, and keep that private. But will we take advantage of these measures?

He also urged the government to invest in forensic technology to help with convictions. “We do not deploy technology sufficiently. Somebody will be raped, with no test kits, medical personnel, or forensic evidence. If we use technology to conduct proper blood tests, DNA tests, and other forensic methods, we will see real convictions.”

Finally, he advocated for stricter rules in public places, such as religious institutions and universities. “There should be consequences for inappropriate dress in schools and churches. Why should someone wear micro-minis to church? Why?”

Opara concluded by emphasising that combating sexual and domestic violence necessitates collective responsibility. Parents, religious leaders, law enforcement agencies, and the government all play important roles in combating the menace.

“Until we see offenders going to correctional facilities daily, these crimes will continue. The government must improve infrastructure, law enforcement must be rid of corrupt officers, and society must do more to prevent sexual violence rather than simply react to it.”

Meanwhile, Malachy Ugwumadu, a well-known Nigerian civil rights lawyer, social commentator, and former president of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, acknowledged that the factors that contribute to sexual and domestic violence in society are well understood and must be accepted as given.

“The first step is to acknowledge that the considerations you applied, or, if you prefer, the factors that promote that type of violence, are given. They are given in the sense that it is understood that these are the types of societal challenges that encourage those types of crimes. You specifically mention sexual and domestic violence, which has become a very common type of crime in our society.

“No thanks to societal constraints on the availability of resources to individuals and communities. So, I recognise and accept that societal norms have played a significant role in the kind of premium that we now pay to society— issues such as virtues, values, integrity, and character. Our value systems have collapsed.

“I also recognise that the country’s economic pressures have hampered overall human capacity. And what I mean is that attitudes and criminal tendencies have gradually crept into the personalities of otherwise normal people.

“As a result of economic pressure, people are losing faith, hope, hoping against hope, and are willing to do anything. Some people are no longer concerned about tomorrow, let alone the high-level requirements of integrity and character. They do not bother me anymore.

“When economic challenges arise, humanity suffers in many ways. Of course, I agree that there is conflict, and that law enforcement agencies’ resources are insufficient—these have become a disturbing decimal, a disturbing and constant factor. And, whether we like it or not, impunity thrives in the absence of repercussions for infractions.

“If infractions are committed without punishment or retribution, they accumulate and escalate. Now, in response to your question about statistics—whether the government has done enough to educate Nigerians to deal with this menace—let me say right away that I agree with the person in charge of the National Orientation Agency: I believe we have seen a renewal, a vista of hope around the National Orientation Agency as a government agency. The last time we saw this level of energy was when Jerry Ghana was in charge of that agency.

“That is, this agency has taken very deliberate, intentional, and proactive measures—visible and measurable— to address some of our country’s recurring challenges and societal vices. However, it is insufficient, and I do not believe they have been able to specifically address this type of societal ill.

“They have been dealing with issues of ethics, human behaviour, and issuing general advisories and admonitions. You can see their programs and promotions centred on people’s attitudes towards petroleum spills and other issues. Those are known efforts.

“However, when it comes to antisocial behaviours such as sexual assault and domestic violence, they are rarely heard from. “As a result, we believe that through that agency, a deeper orientation and socialisation can be achieved if they devote and commit enough time and resources to conscientising and sensitising the Nigerian people.

“In the same vein, I believe that human beings are predisposed to engage in criminal activity. In the end, they are essentially antisocial individuals.

“In recognition of this, philosophers and political thinkers have established the twin factors of social control—religion and law—to moderate humanity’s tendency. We are morally educated and socialised to that there are vices that threaten human coexistence.

“When that is done, you can see how it will moderate the innate human attraction to social vices such as sexual and domestic violence.

“Therefore, if that does not help— and as you know, not everyone holds religious beliefs—the law will take its course. It is one of the arguments in favour of custodial punishments for convictions obtained through proper adjudication. So, while humans are prone to infractions and criminal tendencies, the law and religion have been put in place to temper those tendencies.

“Is that enough?” That cannot be enough. It is unlikely that these vices have been completely eradicated from our society. The poverty of the situation is that many of the Gaon’s men—from the priesthood to the clergy, prophets to imams—are now being counted. Although not in large numbers, they are increasingly being identified as perpetrators of some of these crimes.

“And that is very unfortunate because they bear the responsibility of correcting these social ills and guiding humanity along the path of purity and frugality.

“But the hunter has become the hunted, and we have seen numerous instances in which religious leaders are now perpetrators of social ills.

“As a result, you cannot fully generalise and conclude that they now contribute conclusively or completely.

“But they are expected to be like Caesar’s wife—they should live ethically.

“So, no matter how small the proportion of clergymen involved in this is, it already has a significant impact on their image and reputation.”