📄 Abstract
Domestic violence (DV) remains a pervasive and underreported issue in Nigeria, affecting individuals across socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious lines. This study investigates the effectiveness of Nigeria’s criminal justice system in addressing domestic violence, with a focus on legal frameworks, institutional responses, and victim experiences. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with survivors, law enforcement officers, legal practitioners, and civil society advocates across three Nigerian states. Key findings reveal systemic gaps in enforcement, low prosecution rates, and significant cultural and institutional barriers to justice. While laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, offer robust protections, implementation remains inconsistent. The study underscores the need for comprehensive policy reform, capacity building within justice institutions, and culturally sensitive advocacy strategies. These insights contribute to ongoing discourse on legal reform and offer actionable recommendations for stakeholders seeking to strengthen Nigeria’s response to domestic violence.
🏷️ Keywords
📚 How to Cite:
Khadija Ibrahim (Ph.D.) , Halimah Safiyan , DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN NIGERIA , Volume 13 , Issue 8, August 2026, EPRA International Journal of Environmental Economics, Commerce and Educational Management(ECEM) , Pages: 81 - 88 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra26718