ADDRESSING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN CROSS RIVER STATE: INSIGHTS FROM GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT ACTION’S RESEARCH
Introduction
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a long-standing critical human rights issue, deeply rooted in harmful societal norms, power imbalances, and gender inequalities. It manifests in various forms, including sexual, physical, mental, and economic harm, both in public and private spheres. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 35% of women globally have experienced physical and or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetimes. In Nigeria, the situation is equally disturbing, with women facing numerous forms of violence, including rape, physical abuse, and female genital mutilation (FGM).
The Problem
The prevalence of violence against women in Nigeria is alarmingly high. Over 30% of women experience some form of domestic violence annually. Despite these figures, GBV remains grossly under-reported due to victim blaming and the non-prosecution of perpetrators. This culture of silence exacerbates the problem, leaving many survivors without the support and justice they need.
Research Objectives
The recent study conducted by Gender and Development Action (GADA) in Cross River State aimed to:
Identify the pre-disposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors influencing GBV.
Assess the knowledge levels and perceptions of adults regarding GBV.
Explore the sociocultural norms associated with GBV.
Determine community-based actions and responses to GBV.
Significance of the Study
This research provides crucial baseline information on social norms, attitudes, and behaviours of key stakeholders, including religious, traditional, and community leaders. The findings should help to guide and refine interventions for GBV prevention projects, ensuring they are culturally sensitive and effective.
Methodology
The research team led by Dr. Antor Ndep accompanied by GADA staff engaging the paramount ruler and
his Council in Akpabuyo
in a Focus Group Discussion(FGD).
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection. It was conducted across selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Cross River State, with a sample size of 569 for the quantitative survey, 24 for Key-Informant Interviews (KII), and 50 for Focus Group Discussions (FGD).
Key Findings
Awareness and Knowledge of GBV:
68.1% of respondents were aware of GBV, with schools, radio, and friends being the main sources of information.
58.2% had high knowledge levels about GBV, identifying common types such as wife beating, verbal abuse, threats of injury, FGM, forced marriage, and financial deprivation.
Attitudes and Perceptions:
66.5% of respondents would dissuade anyone planning to practice FGM, and 83.3% would call for help if they heard a neighbour threatening their spouse.
However, 52.3% had negative perceptions towards GBV interventions and prevention efforts.
Cultural Norms and Community Responses:
Traditional rules and laws against GBV exist, with fines and imprisonment as common punishments.
Community leaders often deny the existence of GBV to avoid negative labelling, but further discussions reveal specific types of GBV occurring in the community.
Types of GBV:
Physical violence, including spousal and incestuous rape, is prevalent.
Societal norms, alcohol, drugs, and lack of education are significant contributors to GBV.
Victim blaming and non-reporting due to stigma and fear of repercussions are common.
Community Actions:
Responses to GBV include fines, community arrests, and religious counselling.
Traditional and religious leaders often enforce community-specific rules and regulations against GBV. These may include fines, community service, and other forms of restitution and or retribution.
Religious institutions also play a crucial role in advocating against GBV and providing support to survivors through counselling and community outreach programs.
Conclusion
The research identified several community-based actions and responses to GBV in Cross River State. These include awareness campaigns, support services for survivors, and initiatives aimed at changing harmful cultural norms and behavioural patterns.
Addressing GBV requires a multifaceted approach that includes advocacy, behavioural change communication, and community mobilization. By leveraging the insights from this research, GADA has set up Community and Crisis Management Teams (CCMTs) across 5 Communities, spanning 4 Local Government Areas namely; Akpabuyo, Calabar South, Calabar Municipal, and Bakassi. The CCMTs were pooled from community leadership structures, Women Groups, Religious Leaders and other relevant stakeholders linked to relevant ministries, departments and agencies relevant to addressing Gender Based Violence in Cross Rivers State. This initiative underscores GADA’s commitment to addressing Gender Based Violence empirically through grassroots actions that challenge the root cause, cultural norms and gender stereotypes that enforce GBV in Cross River State.
To download and read the full research report, click here.