The law and the scourge of rape in Nigeria
Rape as a form of sexual violence against women is an ever-increasing phenomenon in Nigeria, especially by law enforcement agents in situations of civil disturbances, Inter-Communal and Inter-Religious Conflicts, and worse still, in police custody. In spite of the international instruments on the el...
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2016
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| In: |
African journal of law and criminology
Year: 2016, Volume: 6, Issue: 1, Pages: 52-62 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Keywords: |
| Summary: | Rape as a form of sexual violence against women is an ever-increasing phenomenon in Nigeria, especially by law enforcement agents in situations of civil disturbances, Inter-Communal and Inter-Religious Conflicts, and worse still, in police custody. In spite of the international instruments on the elimination of all forms of violence against women, which was ratified by the government of Nigeria, he lacks of commitment on the part of government to deal decisively with this sordid crime grossly undermines the notion of humanity, justice and good governance. This paper examines the degrees of the sexual violence of rape being perpetrated against women in Nigeria, its rights implications, as well as its horrific effects on the health, physical and psychological well-being of victims. It also addresses the many factors responsible for non-report of this violence by victims, ineffectiveness of securing of conviction against rape perpetrator, the inherent weakness and inadequacy of law to effectively deal with this scourge in order to deter perpetrators and prospective ones, and protect victims. The paper argues in an analytical manner for innovative legal, policy and institutional reforms, towards prevention, expression of solidarity and rehabilitation of victims, so as to deal with the problem in a holistic way, if law is to effectively meet the needs of society in the 21st century. |
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| ISSN: | 2045-8525 |
