Violence against women is a major public health crisis and a severe violation of human rights. It encompasses any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women. In Nigerian healthcare settings, nurses frequently encounter victims presenting with unexplained injuries or chronic somatic complaints. Recognizing this violence as a public health issue shifts the focus from a private family matter to a preventable disease vector requiring professional medical and psychosocial intervention.
Gender-based violence takes multiple forms, often overlapping in the lived experiences of survivors.
The persistence of violence against women is deeply rooted in systemic gender inequality and patriarchal social structures. Cultural norms that view men as superior and women as subordinate create an environment where abuse is normalized and tolerated. Economic vulnerability, lack of education, and weak enforcement of protective laws further compound these risks. In many Nigerian communities, traditional beliefs dictate silence, discouraging victims from seeking help due to fear of social stigma or ostracization.
The repercussions of abuse extend far beyond immediate physical injuries, leaving lasting scars on a survivor's well-being.
| Health Domain | Common Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Physical | Fractures, chronic pelvic pain, traumatic brain injury, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections |
| Psychological | Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal ideation |
| Social | Job loss, homelessness, social isolation, stigma from community members |
Nurses must maintain a high index of suspicion because victims rarely state the cause of their injuries directly. Routine screening in antenatal and emergency departments can uncover hidden abuse. Behavioral indicators include a partner who refuses to leave the patient's side, evasive answers about injury mechanisms, and overt anxiety. A safe, private environment is mandatory before asking screening questions to protect the patient from potential retaliation by the abuser.
When supporting a survivor, nurses should apply the LISTEN approach: Look, Inquire, Support, Treat, Evaluate, and Network. Validate the survivor's experience by stating clearly that the violence is not their fault. Provide immediate medical treatment for injuries, offer emergency contraception or prophylaxis where indicated, and document findings objectively in the medical record. Collaborate with social workers, legal aid organizations, and law enforcement agencies to establish safe referral pathways.
Nigeria has established legislative frameworks to protect individuals from violence, notably the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. Passed at the federal level and adopted by many states, the VAPP Act criminalizes various forms of domestic abuse, harmful traditional practices, and sexual assault. Nurses must understand these legal instruments to guide survivors toward justice and legal protection. However, implementation gaps and poor enforcement at local levels remain significant hurdles.
Preventing gender-based violence requires active community engagement and educational outreach. Nurses play a vital role in organizing awareness campaigns that challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote respectful relationships. Partnering with community leaders, religious institutions, and youth groups helps foster environments where violence is publicly condemned. Primary prevention efforts focus on empowering women economically and educating young people on consent and human rights.