Breaking the Silence: The VAPP Law as a Game Changer for Women’s Rights in Nigeria

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive violation of human rights in Nigeria, reinforced by patriarchal norms, weak institutions, and inadequate legal protection. This study examines the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) of 2015 as a transformative legal framework for addressing GBV and advancing women’s rights in Nigeria. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis across four states, Lagos, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Ebonyi, selected to represent diverse sociocultural and institutional contexts. Findings reveal that while the VAPP Act has expanded the legal definitions of violence and improved access to justice in states like Lagos and Bauchi, its overall effectiveness is constrained by inconsistent domestication, low awareness, inadequate institutional capacity, and cultural resistance. States with stronger political commitment and inter-agency coordination demonstrate better outcomes for survivors. The study concludes that the VAPP Act’s potential as a catalyst for women’s rights can only be realised through context-sensitive implementation, enhanced public education, sustained funding, and survivor-led advocacy to ensure equal protection under the law.