In a compelling appeal to the Nigeria Police Force, key stakeholders—including human rights activists, legal experts, and women’s advocacy groups—have urged law enforcement agencies to cease the routine dismissal of domestic violence complaints and to treat such cases with the urgency and seriousness they warrant. The call comes amid alarming reports of increasing domestic violence and femicide across the country, where many survivors face neglect, intimidation, or pressure to reconcile with their abusers instead of receiving justice.
Stakeholders warn that the prevailing police attitude not only denies victims access to protection and redress but also fosters a dangerous culture of impunity that emboldens perpetrators. They emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive training of police officers on handling domestic violence sensitively and effectively, ensuring survivors are supported with empathy and perpetrators are promptly held accountable under the law.
Moreover, activists stress the importance of dismantling societal norms that perpetuate victim-blaming and silence, advocating for widespread public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the devastating impact of gender-based violence. They also call for more robust enforcement of existing legislation, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, alongside improved data collection to better understand and address the scope of the problem.
Without immediate reforms in policing practices, legal frameworks, and societal attitudes, stakeholders warn that the cycle of domestic violence will persist unchecked, resulting in more lives lost and families shattered. The urgent message is clear: Nigeria must prioritize the protection of vulnerable individuals and ensure justice is accessible to all victims of domestic abuse
