EKITI STATE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (PROHIBITION) LAW, 2011
Act · Human Rights
Policy date: 2011-01-01
A Law prohibits gender-based violence such as domestic abuse and rape, and provides protection for survivors. It targets perpetrators, survivors, and law enforcement in Ekiti State. This aims to prevent violence and ensure prosecution of offenders.
EKITI STATE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (PROHIBITION) LAW, 2011
What Is This Policy?
An Ekiti State law that criminalises gender-based violence including domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation, and provides for the protection and support of survivors.
Who Does It Target?
Survivors of gender-based violence in Ekiti State Perpetrators of domestic and sexual violence The Ekiti State Government and law enforcement agencies Civil society organisations supporting GBV survivors
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Prevent and criminalise all forms of gender-based violence, provide immediate protection for survivors, and ensure prosecution of perpetrators within Ekiti State.
Key Features
Comprehensive Criminalisation: Criminalises domestic violence, rape, defilement, incest, sexual harassment, and female genital mutilation. Protection Orders: Courts may issue protection orders barring a perpetrator from the survivor's home or workplace. Survivor Support: Provides for survivor shelters, legal aid, medical treatment, and psychosocial support. Mandatory Reporting: Requires healthcare workers and teachers to report suspected GBV cases to the appropriate authority.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Ekiti State Beneficiaries: Women and girls primarily; all persons experiencing gender-based violence Funding: Ekiti State Government; donor support
How to Access
Survivors may report to the nearest police station, hospital, or GBV response centre Legal aid is available at no cost to qualifying survivors Protection orders can be obtained on an emergency basis Application method: Report to Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development or any police station.
Important Terms
Perpetrators face imprisonment and no bail may be granted in serious cases Survivor confidentiality must be maintained by all service providers Marital relationship is not a defence to a charge of rape
Official Resources
Website: https://www.ekitistate.gov.ng Contact: Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
Legal Framework
The Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law 2011 is enacted under the Ekiti State House of Assembly's powers on criminal law under the Concurrent Legislative List. It aligns with the federal Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, the Child Rights Act 2003, the Nigerian Constitution (Section 34 — dignity of human person, Section 42 — freedom from discrimination), and Nigeria's obligations under CEDAW and the African Charter's Maputo Protocol on Women's Rights.