Most Nigerian women abused

2005-06-01 14:42

Lagos - Most Nigerian women suffer domestic violence and sexual assault in the home and can expect no protection from the authorities, said a study into life in Lagos released by Amnesty International on Tuesday.

"Up to two-thirds of women in certain communities in Lagos are believed to have experienced physical, sexual or psychological violence in the family," said the deputy director of the group's Africa programme, Stephane Mikala.

The report accused Lagos State and or federal authorities of either condoning violence against women or doing nothing to stem the violence which includes beatings, humiliation and attacks with acid.

"Nigerian women are beaten, raped or even murdered by members of their family for supposed transgressions, which can range from not having meals ready on time to visiting family members without permission," Mikala said.

"Husbands, partners and fathers are responsible for most of the violence against women, and the government has a duty to protect them," he said.

Lagos police spokesperson Olabode Ojajuni denied that authorities condone violence against women.

"A crime is a crime. We regard violence as a form of crime and we treat it accordingly. There are several laws in the statute books which deal with violence, be it rape, battery or defilement," he said.

But the Amnesty report noted that a sexual attack on a man is regarded as a felony whereas one on a woman is a misdemeanour and carries a lighter sentence.

"Violence against women in the home is generally regarded as belonging to the private sphere in Nigeria, and therefore to be shielded from outside scrutiny. A culture of silence reinforces the stigma attached to the victim rather than condemning the perpetrator of such crimes," the report said.

The Lagos chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Anthony Akin Akinbote, said that leading lawyers would be holding a seminar on crimes against women at their meeting on June 15.

- AFP