Gender Based Violence and Violence against Women in Nigeria: A Sociological Analysis

Abstract

In this paper, the phenomenon of Gender Based Violence in Nigeria is examined in the light of Social Learning and Feminist theoretical perspectives. Using secondary data, different forms of violence were identified in the study and they include beating, rape, humiliation, verbal abuse, widowhood practices, early marriage, sexual harassment and female genital mutilation. Consequences of the acts as identified in the study include depression, suicide, murder, sexually transmitted diseases, and physical injuries. It is therefore recommended that government, individuals, civil society and non-governmental organizations should act accordingly towards eliminating the menace.