VIOLENCE: WHAT SHOULD BE THE PENALTY?

 

Many people talk about domestic violence in Nigeria and other parts of the world; What is domestic violence then?

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, simply refers to any form of harassment, physical and emotional abuse, violence, or discrimination against females, especially by their husbands, lovers, or sexual partners. Women across the globe have suffered varying degrees of victimization, abuse, and all forms of discrimination meted to them by patriarchy. Women's victimization tends to be a universal socio-cultural phenomenon. African women, particularly Nigerian women, suffer patriarchal prejudices enhanced by the 'silence culture'. In gender discourses, misogyny becomes an umbrella term used to describe all domestic violence or 'male-induced' pains and torture against females.

Eminent scholars and critics across the globe have laid their minds bare on the incidents of domestic violence. one of the prominent scholars in gender studies in Nigeria attests to this when she argues that "...incidents of violence against women are rarely publicly condemned except for extreme physical abuse, yet African women's lives are shaped, if not by violence (physical, verbal or mental) then by threat of violence present in cultures underpinned by patriarchal ideology"(Hellen Cousin). December Green, also stated that one of the leading voices on gender and women development studies, comments thus: "violence by husbands against wives should not be seen as a breakdown in social order but an affirmation of particular social order, namely, a patriarchal one. In this sense, violence is recognized as the norm". These views make it crystal clear that domestic violence in most climes is seemingly culturally enshrined, thereby leaving victims in most debasing and dehumanizing conditions.

What are the various forms of domestic violence?

Domestic violence takes diverse forms, depending on the culture, the individuals involved, their educational background, and level of exposure, among others. The following are the various forms of domestic violence in Nigeria.

 

1.      Physical abuse and violence: This takes the forms of wife battering, hitting the woman, threat of violence, and actual violence which most often result in the death of the victim. For instance, recently, Mrs. Osinachi Nwachukwu, a famous gospel music artiste was allegedly abused and murdered by her husband. This is a form of domestic violence that involves physical molestation.

2.      Sexual violence: Sexual violence against females has become a common decimal in contemporary Nigeria. This involves sexual harassment, assault, and rape. Most victims of sexual violence like rape do not only lose self-esteem, they suffer psychic trauma and even death. A recent example is the case of Miss Iniobong Umoren, a graduate of the University of Uyo, who was raped and murdered by her supposed employer.

3.      Mental abuse: This entails discriminating, demeaning, and degrading attitudes towards women by their spouses and lovers.

 

What punishment should be given to the perpetrators of such social evil (domestic violence)?

Government at various levels has defined the kind of punishment for violence against women. For instance, the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, on 25th May 2015 signed the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act (2015) into law. The act aims at eliminating violence in the private and public sphere, and providing punishment for offenders.

The act stipulates that anyone convicted of domestic violence is liable for a prison term of three years or a fine of #300, 000, or both (for persons who commit the act of violence against their spouses).

Also, section 19, subsection 1 of the act stipulates that “A person who batters his or her spouse commits an offense and is liable on conviction, to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or to a fine not exceeding N200,000.00 or both”. The law even makes it a criminal offense for those who incite or support any form of domestic violence.

 

Conclusion

However, this act has not stipulated what penalty is there for anyone whose act of violence against a woman results in the death of the victim.

It is my suggestion that the payment of any fine as an option instead of imprisonment should be removed from the act. Moreover, the prison term for those convicted of domestic violence should be increased to seven (7) years. Perpetrators of sexual violence should be sentenced to a prison term of twenty-one years without the option of payment of a fine. Again, anyone whose act of domestic violence results in the sudden death of the victim should be sentenced to death by hanging, when he is found guilty by the law court, after a thorough investigation, fair hearing, and cross-examination by the jury.

Name: Isonguyo Akpan

State of Origin: Akwa Ibom

Institution: Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU)

Course: English and Literary Studies

State Code: OS/22B/0211

PPA: Osun State University