THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SHELTERS AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SHELTERS AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Chapter One: Introduction

Background of the Study

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a profound and pervasive issue in Nigeria, affecting women and girls across various socio-economic backgrounds. It encompasses a range of harmful behaviors, including domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM). The prevalence of GBV in Nigeria is alarming, with reports indicating that nearly one in three women has experienced physical violence, and about one in four women has been a victim of sexual violence in her lifetime (National Population Commission, 2018).

 

Shelters and support services play a critical role in providing immediate and long-term assistance to survivors of GBV. These facilities offer a safe haven for women and children escaping abusive situations, along with counseling, legal assistance, healthcare, and other essential services aimed at facilitating recovery and reintegration into society. In Nigeria, the establishment of shelters has been championed by both governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with the aim of addressing the immediate needs of survivors and promoting their long-term safety and well-being (UN Women, 2020).

 

Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of shelters and support services in Nigeria remains a subject of ongoing debate. Challenges such as underfunding, limited accessibility, social stigma, and inadequate training of staff have been identified as significant barriers to the successful operation of these facilities (Adebayo, 2019). Moreover, the cultural and legal context in Nigeria often hinders survivors from seeking help, leading to underutilization of available resources. Understanding the effectiveness of shelters and support services is crucial for improving their operations and ensuring that they meet the needs of GBV survivors.

 

This study seeks to critically evaluate the effectiveness of shelters and support services for survivors of GBV in Nigeria, focusing on factors that influence their accessibility, quality, and impact on survivors' recovery and reintegration into society.

 

Statement of the Problem

The issue of gender-based violence in Nigeria is pervasive, yet the response mechanisms, particularly shelters and support services, face numerous challenges that limit their effectiveness. Despite the establishment of several shelters and the provision of support services by both governmental and non-governmental organizations, many survivors of GBV continue to suffer in silence due to the inadequacies within these systems. Key issues include insufficient funding, limited geographical coverage, lack of awareness, and social stigma that discourages survivors from seeking help (Eze, 2020).

 

Moreover, the quality of services provided in these shelters is often compromised by inadequate training of staff, lack of essential resources, and a focus on short-term relief rather than long-term recovery and empowerment of survivors. In some cases, the legal and cultural barriers further complicate access to these services, particularly in rural areas where traditional beliefs and practices may deter women from leaving abusive relationships or seeking external support (Ajayi & Falola, 2021).

 

This study aims to explore these challenges in depth, evaluating the extent to which shelters and support services in Nigeria effectively address the needs of GBV survivors. By identifying the gaps in service provision and understanding the factors that influence their effectiveness, the study seeks to provide recommendations for enhancing the support systems available to survivors of GBV in Nigeria.

 

Objectives of the Study

To assess the accessibility and availability of shelters and support services for survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria.

To evaluate the quality and effectiveness of services provided by shelters in promoting recovery and reintegration of survivors.

To identify the challenges and barriers faced by shelters and support services in effectively addressing the needs of GBV survivors.

 

Research Questions

How accessible and available are shelters and support services for survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria?

What is the quality and effectiveness of the services provided by shelters in facilitating the recovery and reintegration of GBV survivors?

What challenges and barriers do shelters and support services face in effectively addressing the needs of survivors in Nigeria?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant for various stakeholders, including policymakers, NGOs, social workers, and advocacy groups involved in the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria. The findings will provide valuable insights into the current state of shelters and support services, highlighting areas that require improvement to better serve survivors of GBV. Policymakers can use the study’s recommendations to formulate policies that enhance the funding, accessibility, and quality of these services. NGOs and social workers can benefit from understanding the challenges and barriers to effective service delivery, allowing them to develop more targeted and impactful interventions. Additionally, advocacy groups can leverage the study's findings to raise awareness and mobilize resources for improving shelters and support services across Nigeria.

 

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study will focus on shelters and support services for survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria, with particular attention to their accessibility, quality, and effectiveness. It will cover both governmental and non-governmental shelters, examining their operations in various regions of the country. The research will include interviews with survivors, staff, and stakeholders involved in providing these services.

 

Limitations of the study may include:

Data Access: Accessing detailed and accurate data on the operations of shelters may be challenging due to confidentiality concerns and the sensitive nature of GBV.

Generalization: The findings may be specific to the shelters studied and may not be representative of all shelters and support services across Nigeria.

Cultural Sensitivity: The study may encounter cultural barriers that influence participants' willingness to discuss their experiences or perceptions of shelters and support services.

 

Definitions of the Study

Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Any act of violence or abuse directed at an individual based on their gender, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence.

Shelters: Facilities that provide temporary accommodation and support services to survivors of gender-based violence, offering a safe space for recovery and rehabilitation.

Support Services: Services provided to survivors of GBV, including counseling, legal assistance, medical care, and vocational training aimed at empowering and reintegrating survivors into society.

Accessibility: The ease with which survivors of GBV can access shelters and support services, considering factors such as geographical location, awareness, and affordability.

Effectiveness: The degree to which shelters and support services achieve their intended outcomes in promoting the recovery and reintegration of GBV survivors.

 

References

Adebayo, A. (2019). Challenges Facing the Effectiveness of Shelters for Gender-Based Violence Survivors in Nigeria. Journal of Gender Studies, 28(3), 342-357.

Ajayi, A. I., & Falola, T. (2021). Cultural Barriers to the Utilization of Shelters by Gender-Based Violence Survivors in Nigeria. African Studies Quarterly, 20(2), 56-72.

Eze, I. (2020). Evaluating the Accessibility of Gender-Based Violence Shelters in Nigeria: A Case Study Approach. Social Work Review, 16(4), 112-126.

National Population Commission. (2018). Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018. Abuja, Nigeria: National Population Commission and ICF.

UN Women. (2020). Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria: Assessment of Shelters and Support Services. UN Women.