Gender based Violence in Nigeria: A Review of Attitude and Perceptions, Health Impact and Policy Implementation

Abstract

Gender based violence (GBV) is a fundamental public health and human rights concern across the world. This article provides a systematic review of attitude and perception of GBV, heath impact and policy implementation in Nigeria. Materials to be reviewed were selected based on search criteria which are relevant to the study at hand. Only 21 articles met the set criteria. Intimate partner violence (wife beating) and rape were the categories of violence being studied. Result showed that wife being is widely justified in Nigeria by the women if they go out without telling him, being disrespectful, neglects the children and burns his food. The men also justified GBV as a means of earning respect as the women are the weaker sex. Rape is considered a crime but the perception of what constitutes rape is poor as marital rape and rape by boyfriends and man friends are not considered as rape. GBV has physical, mental and social health impact among the victims. Policy implementation of GBV is considered to be poor in Nigeria. Recommendations were made based on the findings made from review of the articles.