What is Domestic Violence?
Section 18(g) of the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law of Lagos State, 2007, defines domestic violence to mean:
- physical abuse,
- sexual abuse, exploitation, including but not limited to rape, incest and sexual assault; starvation;
- emotional, verbal and psychological abuse;
- economic abuse and exploitation;
- denial of basic education;
- intimidation;
- harassment;
- stalking;
- hazardous attack, including acid, both with offensive and poisonous substance;
- damage to property, among others.
Note that both men and women can be victims of domestic violence.
How Does the Law Protect Victims of Domestic Violence?
In Lagos, the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law, 2007 prohibits domestic violence. Section 1 of the Law states that no one shall commit domestic violence against any person under the law.
The law goes further to empower the courts to grant interim protective orders in favour of victims of domestic abuse or violence.
In Abuja, perpetrators of domestic abuse or violence may be liable to 3 years imprisonment or to a fine not exceeding ₦200,000 if found guilty by a competent court of law.
This is by the provision of Section 19(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015.
The law goes further to impose a prison term of one year on the attempt to engage in domestic violence.
So, two things:
- A term of 3 years in prison for committing domestic violence.
- A term of 1 year in prison for attempting to commit domestic violence.
Note that this Act is only applicable in FCT Abuja, however, some States which includes Anambra, Bauchi, Enugu, Kaduna and Oyo states have also passed it into their law.
Other states with domestic violence laws include Ekiti and Cross River states. These also prescribe prison terms for domestic violence.
If you’re a victim of domestic abuse or violence, or you know a victim, please consult a lawyer.
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