COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN BAUCHI STATE AND PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

The issue of domestic violence and the efficiency of the framework put in place to combat domestic violence has gained prominent attention in international discourses in recent times. This paper compares the relevant provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Laws of both Bauchi and Plateau State being one of the legal frameworks for combating domestic violence in the states with a view to identifying their strengths and weaknesses. The paper argues that Society and individuals are two inseparable units of human existence and in the course of survival within the society, human beings live together with one another, interact, relate and mingle with one another as a result of which some persons tend to exert influence, dominance or control over others thereby intimidating, harassing and subjugating others. Adopting a combination of physiological approaches, spiced with legal analysis; the paper concludes that the enactment of Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Law by Bauchi State and Plateau State shows commitment by the two states to curb the menace of domestic violence in these states and while the provisions of the law are similar in most of the provisions, there are differences in some other provisions of the law especially with respect to the Shari’a Legal System enforced in Bauchi State. The paper offers some recommendations considered relevant to address the approaches to domestic violence and curbing the menace.