Blog · Safety
Ending violence against women and girls starts early
New national data shows violence against women in Nigeria has fallen since 2018, but fewer survivors are seeking help. Here is what the numbers say and what prevention looks like.
Violence against women and girls is one of the most common human rights violations in Nigeria. It happens in homes, schools, workplaces, markets and online. It is also preventable.
What the latest numbers say
The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023–24, carried out by the National Population Commission, interviewed more than 39,000 women across all 36 states and the FCT. According to figures shared by UN Women in 2026, compared with the 2018 survey:
- women who had experienced physical violence since age 15 fell from 31 per cent to 19 per cent
- women who had experienced sexual violence fell from 9 per cent to 5 per cent
- intimate partner (spousal) violence fell from 36 per cent to 23 per cent
- female genital mutilation fell from 20 per cent to 14 per cent
That is real progress. But the same data shows a worrying trend: fewer survivors are seeking help. And behind every percentage are millions of women and girls.
Violence against girls is closely linked to child marriage. The same survey found that about a third of women aged 20 to 24 were married before 18, with rates above 60 per cent in some northern states.
Why prevention has to start early
Attitudes about power, control and respect form in childhood. Children who grow up seeing violence at home, or hearing that a husband may "discipline" his wife, are more likely to accept it as normal. Girls who are taught that their bodies and opinions belong to someone else are less likely to speak up.
That is why prevention cannot wait until adulthood.
What works
Teach consent and respect from a young age. Children should learn that their bodies belong to them, that no means no, and that respect does not depend on gender.
Engage boys and men. Men are not only potential perpetrators; they are fathers, brothers, teachers, religious leaders and friends. When men speak against violence and model respectful relationships, other men listen.
Make schools safe. Every school needs a clear code of conduct, a trusted person girls can report to, and consequences for teachers or students who harass or abuse.
Keep girls in school. Education delays marriage, increases girls' knowledge of their rights and widens their options.
Strengthen women's economic power. Women with their own income have more power to leave violent situations.
Use and enforce the law. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and the Child Rights Act 2003 make many forms of violence crimes. They only protect people when they are adopted by states, known by citizens and enforced.
Make help easy to reach. Survivors need safe, free and confidential services: Sexual Assault Referral Centres, shelters, counselling and legal aid.
Why fewer survivors are seeking help
We do not yet know all the reasons. They may include stigma, fear of not being believed, distance to services, cost, and lack of trust in the police. Making services visible, free and respectful is part of the answer. So is making communities places where survivors are believed.
What you can do
- Believe survivors. If someone tells you about abuse, listen without blame.
- Know where help is. Find the nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre and police gender desk in your state.
- Speak up. Challenge jokes and comments that excuse violence.
- Join the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, held every year from 25 November to 10 December.
If you or someone you know is in danger, go to a safe place and contact the police or emergency services.
