The juvenile & women center and the reduction of domestic violence against women : a case study of APO resettlement in Federal Capital Territory ( FCT)- Abuja , Nigeria

Abstract

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of the JWC in reducing DVAW: a Case Study of Apo Resettlement Layout in FCT-Abuja, Nigeria. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to gather data in order to evaluate the effect(s) of the independent on the dependent variable. Emile Durkheim’s structural functionalism as well as the social exchange theories were engaged throughout the study to understand, analyse and interpret both variables and the interplay between them. The key findings in the study indicated that the JWC has been effective in ensuring the safety of women through arrests of male perpetrators and assisting in referrals for employment and economic empowerment of women.The JWC has significantly promoted collaborative activities denouncing violence against women among the local leaders as well as through the prompt arraignment of male suspects in court for trial. However, it has been ineffective in providing witness/victim protection services to enable the victims follow through the prosecution process which is their obligation, and to support the management, promotion of community collaboration to combat DVAW, provision of counselling and psychological care to DVAW victims and the arrangements for shelters for them as well. Finally the significant challenges encountered by the JWC in their work, identified during the study were; NPF institution’s marginalization of the JWC, economic disempowerment of women, ineffective collaborative frameworks between line agencies and discriminatory sociocultural norms, beliefs and attitudes.The study concludes that the NPF JWC in Nigeria needs institutional reforms in its activities which will increase reportage of DVAW significantly and reinforce existing social networks for greater impacts in combating DVAW. The general recommendation is that the Nigeria Police Force should reposition and strengthen the JWC to deliver more interventions that will combat domestic violence against women more significantly.