An evaluation of gender-based violence and women’s access to justice in Jalingo, Taraba State.
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study:
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive forms of human rights violations globally, and Nigeria is no exception. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to various forms of violence, ranging from domestic abuse to sexual exploitation and human trafficking (Adamu & Ojo, 2024). Taraba State, located in the northeastern part of Nigeria, is known for its socio-cultural diversity and complex dynamics, with various ethnic and religious groups coexisting. Despite significant legal frameworks that criminalize gender-based violence, the implementation of these laws and the accessibility of justice for survivors of GBV continue to face numerous challenges in the state. In Jalingo, the state capital, there are widespread reports of women suffering from gender-based violence, yet the mechanisms for addressing these violations appear inadequate (Umar, 2023). Women often experience significant barriers in accessing justice, including a lack of awareness about legal protections, limited resources for reporting cases, and socio-cultural norms that discourage women from speaking out.
GBV in Jalingo is often compounded by deeply ingrained patriarchal values, which hinder women from seeking help or reporting cases of violence (Bello & Okoye, 2025). Additionally, the justice system is frequently criticized for its inefficiency and inadequate response to GBV cases. Women’s access to justice in this context is a critical issue, as it directly affects the ability of victims to seek redress, hold perpetrators accountable, and heal from trauma. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between gender-based violence and women’s access to justice in Jalingo, Taraba State, with a particular focus on identifying the barriers women face in obtaining legal remedies. The findings will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing laws and propose potential solutions to improve women’s access to justice in the region.
Statement of the Problem:
Gender-based violence continues to undermine the safety, dignity, and rights of women in Jalingo, yet many women face insurmountable challenges in seeking justice. Despite the existence of legal instruments like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP), which aims to protect women from various forms of violence, many women in Jalingo report insufficient support and services. This study identifies a gap in the understanding of the effectiveness of existing legal and institutional frameworks for addressing GBV, as well as the barriers that women encounter when trying to access justice. Moreover, the role of cultural norms and systemic challenges that prevent the implementation of laws remains under-researched, particularly in the context of Jalingo.
Objectives of the Study:
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To examine the prevalence and forms of gender-based violence experienced by women in Jalingo, Taraba State.
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To evaluate the challenges women face in accessing justice for gender-based violence in Jalingo.
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To assess the effectiveness of the legal and institutional frameworks in addressing GBV in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Research Questions:
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What are the prevalent forms of gender-based violence experienced by women in Jalingo, Taraba State?
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What barriers do women face when attempting to access justice for gender-based violence in Jalingo?
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How effective are the legal and institutional frameworks in addressing gender-based violence in Jalingo, Taraba State?
Research Hypotheses:
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Gender-based violence is widespread among women in Jalingo, Taraba State.
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Cultural norms and societal attitudes significantly hinder women’s access to justice for gender-based violence in Jalingo.
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The existing legal and institutional frameworks in Jalingo are ineffective in addressing the issue of gender-based violence.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study will focus on the experiences of women aged 18 and above who have encountered gender-based violence in Jalingo, Taraba State. It will examine both the legal framework and the social and cultural factors that affect women’s ability to seek justice. Limitations of the study include potential difficulties in accessing reliable data from survivors of GBV due to fear of stigmatization or retribution, and the challenge of accurately measuring the effectiveness of legal frameworks in an environment where many cases go unreported.
Definitions of Terms:
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Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Any act of violence or abuse that targets individuals based on their gender, often affecting women and girls.
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Access to Justice: The ability of individuals to seek legal remedies, protection, and redress through the formal legal system.
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Legal Framework: The set of laws and regulations designed to address and prevent gender-based violence.
