DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS: ASSESSING THE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS AND POLICY RESPONSES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Domestic violence is increasingly recognised as not only a human rights and legal issue but also a major public health concern. In Nigeria, the pervasive nature of domestic abuse has imposed significant burdens on the health system, yet the health sector's role in the area of prevention, early detection, and survivor support remains underdeveloped. This paper critically examines the public health dimensions of domestic violence in Nigeria, highlighting the physical, psychological, sexual, and reproductive consequences for victims. It evaluates the adequacy of the existing legal and policy frameworks including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 in addressing the health-related consequences of abuse. Drawing on comparative insights from other jurisdictions and global health guidelines, the paper argues for a more integrated, health-led approach to domestic violence. The study recommends practical reforms to legal and health policies, institutional coordination, and survivor-centred health services to reframe domestic violence as an urgent public health emergency in Nigeria.