The Manace of Sexual and Psychological Violence on Women and the Girl-child in Nigerian Homes

Gender-based sexual and psychological violence, often targeted against women and the girl-child, remains a global problem that has, in recent times, assumed an alarming proportion and dimension. Violence against women is defined as any act of gender-based violence – that is, violence directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately – that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life (UN, 1994). The consequences of this form of violence are legion – it takes a devastating toll on women, the girl-child, families and nations. Researchers have shown increasing links between sexual and psychological violence and the high vulnerability of women to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This article focuses on sexual and psychological violence against women and the girl-child in Nigeria. It identifies and examines the causes and consequences of violence. It proffers solutions which will stem this growing tide of violence often targeted. It proffers solutions which will stem this growing tide of violence often targeted against women and girl-child in Nigerian homes by reviewing emerging strategies for the prevention of violence and making recommendations which will serve as a way forward.