THE ROLES OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND PUBLIC COMPLAINT COMMISSION: A STUDY OF CHILD ABUSE IN NIGERIA BY MUSTAPHA GARBA NAH NOU070261846 BEING A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA LAGOS IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BSC) DEGREE IN CRIMINOLOGY AND SECURITY STUDIES
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THE ROLES OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND PUBLIC COMPLAINT COMMISSION:
A STUDY OF CHILD ABUSE IN NIGERIA
BY
MUSTAPHA GARBA NAH
NOU070261846
BEING A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL
SCIENCES, NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA LAGOS
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR
OF SCIENCE (BSC) DEGREE IN CRIMINOLOGY AND SECURITY STUDIES
APRIL, 2014.
Table of Content
i. Title
ii. Declaration
iii. Certification
iv. Dedication
v. Acknowledgment
vi. Table of Contents
vii. Abstract
CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of problem
1.3 Objectives of the study
1.4 Hypothesis /Research questions
1.5 Research questions
1.6 Scope and Limitation of the study
1.7 Significance of the study
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAME WORK
2.1 Literature Review
2.2 Theoretical Conceptualization Of Child Abuse
2.3 Causes Of Child Abuse
2.4 Types Of Child Abuse
2.5 The Impact Of Family Problem On Child Abuse
2.6 Child Abuse And Overview of Nigeria’s Child Rights Act
2.7 Relationship Between Poverty and Child Abuse
2.8 The Role Of National Human Rights And Public Complaint
Commission In Fighting Child Abuse
2.9 Psychological Effects Of Abuse on Children
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population of study
3.3 Sampling
3.4 Research Instrument
3.5 Validity and Reliability
3.6 Research procedure
3.7. Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Test Of Hypothesis
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Suggestion for further study
REFERENCES
APPENDIX
QUESTIONNAIRE
ABSTRACT
The study examined the role of Human Rights institutions in the
country in addressing the problem of child abuse.
The objective of this study is causes, types and effects of child
abuse on the child, the family and the nation. The work is meant to
draw closer attention on this increasing scourge and access measures
of addressing to preserve the fundamental human rights of the child
as entrenched under the Nigeria Child Right Act.
In the study, the researcher defined what child abuse is; the
various forms of child abuse, and also identified some of the causes
and consequences of child abuse as a reflection of the societal
problem and its impact on the life of the child. The study also
evaluated the extent of damages it does to the abused child and the
Nigerian society. In order to gather relevant data and information
on the subject matter, the researcher used the questionnaire as data
collection instrument, which was administered on 200 respondents
within the FCT which is the limit of the scope of the study. A self
constructed questionnaire titled Child Abuse Questionnaire (CAQ) was
administered on the students after validation. The instrument has
construct validity co-efficient of 0.756 and reliability co-
efficient of 0.95. The statistical technique that was used to
analyse the data collected was Chi-Square distribution test. The
result of the analysis showed that there was a significant
relationship between poverty and economic deprivation and child
abuse in Nigeria. Also the study revealed that child abuse is still
very prevalent in Nigeria and also that religious and cultural
influences contribute to child abuse in Nigeria.
The result revealed that the Rights institutions are not doing
enough to arrest the problem of child abuse and that the child right
act is not working in Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The Collins concise dictionary defines juvenile as pertaining to the
young or immature of youth or childhood. This comprises the child
and the adolescent. According to World Health Organization (WHO), a
child falls within the age group of 0 – 19 years. Some countries
further include any one less than or up to 21 years. The Nigerian
labour act defines a child as those who are 16 years of age and
below but the International Labour Organization (ILO) has brought it
down to individuals below 15years of age.
Child abuse can be defined as 'an intentional or neglectful physical
or emotional injury imposed on a child, including sexual
molestation.' (Garner 1999:10) Child abuse violates the United
Nation Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nation's Convention
on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989 and the African Charter
on the Rights and Welfare of the African Child.
Child abuse can be seen as situation whereby the fundamental human
right of a child is tempered with. That is, the child is not given
adequate care and protection as it's the responsibility of every
parent to take good care of their children. This rights are right to
education, religion, freedom, movement, shelter etc. The child on
most occasion is exposed to unnecessary hardship and odds in life.
Although child abuse occurs in Nigeria, it has received little
attention. This is probably due to the emphasis placed on the more
prevalent childhood problems of malnutrition and infection. Another
possible reason is the general assumption that in every African
society the extended family system always provides love, care and
protection to all children. Yet there are traditional child rearing
practices which adversely affect some children, such as purposeful
neglect or abandonment of severely handicapped children, and twins
or triplets in some rural areas. With the alteration of society by
rapid socioeconomic and political changes, various forms of child
abuse have been identified, particularly in the urban areas. These
may be considered the outcome of abnormal interactions of the child,
parents/ guardians and society. They include abandonment of normal
infants by unmarried or very poor mothers in cities, increased child
labour and exploitation of children from rural areas in urban elite
families, and abuse of children in urban nuclear families by child-
minders . Preventive measures include provision of infrastructural
facilities and employment opportunities in the rural areas in order
to prevent drift of the young population to the cities. This would
sustain the supportive role of the extended family system which is
rapidly being eroded. There is need for more effective legal
protection for the handicapped child, and greater awareness of the
existence of child abuse in the community by health and social
workers.
Therefore this study is to bring to limelight the incidence of child
abuse in Nigeria, the various forms of abuse children pass through,
the consequences of child abuse to the child, family and society,
and what remedy is the government and its agencies proffering to
the problem,
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
In the course of this research, the research proposes to
identify some of the causes and consequences of child abuse as a
reflection of the societal problem and its impact on the life of the
child.
The first problem proposes to identify the various forms of child
abuse in Nigeria, and evaluate the extent of damages it does to the
abused child and the Nigerian society.
Secondly we will examine how the Nigerian government is addressing
the situation through its various Right institutions.
Thirdly, the psychological effects it has on the average
Nigerian child and how they affect their future.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The objective of this study is causes, types and effects of
child abuse on the child, the family and the nation. The work is
meant to draw closer attention on this increasing scourge and access
measures of addressing to preserve the fundamental human rights of
the child as entrenched under the Nigeria Child Right Act.
The work is also to inquire into who are the abusers of the
child and recommend the appropriate punishment to curb the act.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following questions give a better insight into the problems
this research project attempt to resolve.
1. Is child abuse increasing in Nigeria or decreasing?
2. Is the government really making progress in addressing the
menace of child abuse in Nigeria?
3. What are the roles of the Human Rights institution in
addressing child abuse in Nigeria?
4. What are the various challenges facing the government is
addressing child abuse in Nigeria?
5. What is the relationship between poverty and child abuse in
Nigeria?
6. What role is religion and culture playing in contributing to
child abuse in Nigeria?
1.5 HYPOTHESIS FORMULATION
Hypothesis are assumptions made by the researcher in order to
test the theoretical framework of the research through empirical
analysis of data collected to enable him arrive at a reasonable
conclusion as whether or not the hypothesis is valid or not.
The hypotheses to be tested in this research work are stated as
follows:
1. H0: Child abuse cases are no longer prevalent in the Nigeria
society.
H1: Child abuse cases are still prevalent in Nigeria society.
2. H0: There is no significant relationship between poverty and
child abuse in Nigeria
H1: There is a significant relationship between poverty and
child abuse in Nigeria
3. H0: Religious and cultural influences do not contribute to
child abuse in Nigeria
H1: Religious and cultural influences do contribute to
child abuse in Nigeria
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This research work was carried out among Nigerian adults within
the FCT and it lends itself to assessing the causes, types and
effect of child abuse in Nigeria.
The study covered 200 adults in FCT and questionnaires were
distributed to the following stakeholders or respondents:
1. Civil servants
2. The Nigeria Police Force
3. Nigeria Immigration service
4. Civil Defence Corps
5. Professionals (Doctors, Lawyers etc)
This research also intends to look at the roles of Human Right
institutions in Nigeria in addressing the menace. It also intends to
proffer a definite solution to the menace, but due to the time and
space given within when to submit this project work, coupled with
other academic work, the researcher has to restrict himself to only
few individuals within the FCT.
1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
6. Market women (traders)
7. Teachers
8. Civil
Societies/NGOs/Childcar
e Institutions
Every day, there are children living hungry, neglected, sexually
exploited and fearful. An abusive environment is certainly no way
for a child to grow up. Children have the right to safe and maturing
environment. In our society, one sees children engaged in petty-
trading and street begging; while some hawk for their parents and
guardians when they should be laying a solid foundation for their
future. One also sees cases of child prostitution to get money.
Parents leave their children at home uncatered for and run after
money making. The average school teacher today has on his hands a
crisis resulting from parent's abdication of their responsibilities
and many teachers believe this has adversely affected character and
output of the child (Ale, A., (2007). There are cases of deprivation
of adequate nutrition. There is also exploitation of children as
aids by handicapped adults during street begging. In the era of high
rates of parental poverty, unemployment, inflation and social
exclusion, parental care of several children in Nigeria has fallen
below expectation; not necessarily because their parents are
illiterate, ignorant, abusive or neglectful but largely because-of
inequality of access to child care resources. When parents are
unable to adequately meet the welfare of their children, one expects
that family and childcare institution should intervene.
Unfortunately, the childcare institutions in the country are
incapacitated by poverty or lack of fund.
According to Adeniran K,( 2003), abused children grow up as callous,
insensitive adults with varied repercussions for families and
society. They become cognitively deficient and create various cadres
of street children.
This project work represents a timely contribution to knowledge and
developments in combating child abuse and neglect in Nigeria
particularly the girl-child, who are the major victims of child
abuse. It focuses on causes, types, effects and suggests remedy. It
also looks into the role of security agencies, policy makers,
stakeholders, Rights institutions and the judiciary in tackling the
rising cases of Child abuse. This project work also provides an
insight into which further research work on this topic could be
successfully carried out by both students of Humanities and Social
Sciences.
To the Nigerian public and security agencies, this work provides an
assessment handbook on the problem: Child abuse in Nigeria- and its
negative effect on social and economy life of the victim and the
country.
To this end some crucial hypothesis were raised to find solution to
the menace.
1.8 LIMITATIONS OF STUDY
It must be understood that many constraints were encountered in the
course of this project work. One of such limitation was inadequate
access to documents. Information was largely gathered through
certain documents, questionnaire, interviews and newspapers in the
national library.
Also, one would not be right to rely wholly on the validity of the
interview conducted since some members of the public tend to respond
due to the level of their knowledge.
Economic hardship is a principal constraint of this project. Cost of
research materials has increased astronomically with higher
transportation cost and other miscellaneous expenses like
photocopying etc. became a serious problem.
CHAPTER TWOLITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
Child abuse consists of any act, or failure to act, that endangers a
child's physical or emotional health and development. Child abusers
inflict physical, sexual and emotional trauma on defenceless
children every day. The scars can be deep and long-lasting.
Unfortunately, the more subtle forms of child abuse such as neglect
and emotional abuse can be even more traumatizing than violent
physical abuse.
According to Owuamanam et al [2008], the African Charter on the
rights and welfare of the child recognizes that the child in any
African setting .
Although there are many formal and acceptable definitions of child
abuse, the following is offered as a guide for information on child
abuse and neglect.
Child abuse consists of any act of commission or omission that
endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and
development. Child abuse includes any damage done to a child which
cannot be reasonably explained and which is often represented by an
injury or series of injuries appearing to be non-accidental in
nature.
The American Psychology Association (ASA) under the Child Abuse and
Prevention Treatment Act defines child abuse or maltreatment as:
Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or
caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or
emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or an act or
failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.
Neglect is a failure to meet the child’s basic needs, e.g., not
providing enough food, shelter or basic supervision, necessary
medical or mental health treatment, adequate education or
emotional comfort.
Physical abuse refers to the injury of a child on purpose,
e.g., striking, kicking, beating, biting or any action that
leads to physical injury.
Sexual abuse is the use, persuasion or forcing of a child to
engage in sexual acts or imitation of such acts.
There is a significant body of ongoing research on the consequences
of child abuse and neglect. The effects vary depending on the
circumstances of the abuse or neglect, personal characteristics of
the child, and the child’s environment. Consequences may be mild or
severe; disappear after a short period or last a lifetime; and
affect the child physically, psychologically, behaviorally, or in
some combination of all three ways. Ultimately, due to related costs
to public entities such as the health-care, human services, and
educational systems, abuse and neglect impact not just the child and
family, but society as a whole. Therefore, it is imperative for
communities to provide a framework of prevention strategies and
services before abuse and neglect occur and to be prepared to offer
remediation and treatment when necessary.
2.2 Theoretical Conceptualization Of Child Abuse
Among academics, clinicians and social workers, there have been
diverse theories about child abuse and neglect etiologies. During
the past three decades, professionals in different occupational
fields have been actively involved in the identification, treatment,
and prevention of child victimisation and its detrimental
consequences. For example, Tzeng et al., in their book, Theories of Child
Abuse and Neglect: Differential Perspectives, Summaries, and Evaluations, appraised
more than forty theoretical viewpoints that have been proposed in
literature and used for clinical practice as well as academic
research.
In very broad outline the medical and psychological theories claim
that child abuse is an illness to be diagnosed, treated and
prevented. It assumes that the identification of child abuse relies
on scientific and objective knowledge. Studies in this regard have
shown that most child-abusing parents were themselves abused as
children. Some psychological researchers have asserted that parents
who abuse children have infantile personalities. Others note that
parents who abuse children unrealistically expect them to fulfill
their (the parents') psychological needs; when disappointed, the
parent experiences acute stress and becomes violently irritated and
abusive (Microsoft Encarta Reference Library, 2004). In spite of
this emphasis on individual mental disorders, few child abusers in
the Nigerian context can rightly be regarded as true psychotics or
sociopaths, because they seem to function well, socially and
psychologically, in other respects.
The socio-economic theory of child abuse posits that abuse is linked
to social deprivation, lack of social support, poverty and poor
housing. According to the Microsoft Encarta Reference Library, 2004,
'the relationship between poverty and abuse is strong …; the vast
majority of child-abuse fatalities involve parents and guardians
from the poorest families.' Marzouki (2002) and Mbakogu (2004) agree
that the problems of extreme poverty and dysfunctional democratic
ideals impede the advancement of the child.
2.3 CAUSES OF CHILD ABUSE
There are many interacting causes of child abuse and neglect.
Characteristics or circumstances of the abuser, the child, and the
family may all contribute. In many cases the abuser was abused as a
child. Substance abuse (e.g. drug addiction and drug abuse) has been
identified as a key factor in a growing number of cases. In some
cases abusers do not have the education and skills needed to raise a
child, thus increasing the likelihood of abuse, and providing
inadequate parental role models for future generations. Children who
are ill, disabled, or otherwise perceived as different are more
likely to be the targets of abuse.
In the family, marital discord, domestic violence, unemployment and
poverty, and social isolation are all factors that can precipitate
abuse.
Patterns of abusive behavior may result in the physical or mental
impairment of the child or even death. Small children are especially
vulnerable to physical injury such as whiplash or shaken infant
syndrome resulting from battery. Abused children are more likely to
experience generalized anxiety, depression, truancy, shame and
guilt, or suicidal and homicidal thoughts or to engage in criminal
activity, promiscuity, and substance abuse.(
http://www.infoplease.com)
2.4 TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE
There are several types of child abuse, but the core element that
ties them together is the emotional effect on the child. Children
need predictability, structure, clear boundaries, and the knowledge
that their parents are looking out for their safety. Abused children
cannot predict how their parents will act. Their world is an
unpredictable, frightening place with no rules. Whether the abuse is
a slap, a harsh comment, stony silence, or not knowing if there will
be dinner on the table tonight, the end result is a child that feel
unsafe, uncared for, and alone.
Emotional Child Abuse
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt
me? Contrary to this old saying, emotional abuse can severely
damage a child’s mental health or social development, leaving
lifelong psychological scars. Examples of emotional child abuse
include:
Constant belittling, shaming, and humiliating a child.
Calling names and making negative comparisons to others.
Telling a child he or she is “no good," "worthless,"
"bad," or "a mistake."
Frequent yelling, threatening, or bullying.
Ignoring or rejecting a child as punishment, giving him or
her the silent treatment.
Limited physical contact with the child—no hugs, kisses,
or other signs of affection.
Exposing the child to violence or the abuse of others,
whether it be the abuse of a parent, a sibling, or even a
pet.
Child Neglect
Child neglect—a very common type of child abuse—is a pattern of
failing to provide for a child's basic needs, whether it be
adequate food, clothing, hygiene, or supervision. Child neglect
is not always easy to spot. Sometimes, a parent might become
physically or mentally unable to care for a child, such as with
a serious injury, untreated depression, or anxiety. Other
times, alcohol or drug abuse may seriously impair judgment and
the ability to keep a child safe.
Older children might not show outward signs of neglect,
becoming used to presenting a competent face to the outside
world, and even taking on the role of the parent. But at the
end of the day, neglected children are not getting their
physical and emotional needs met.
Various Forms of Child Neglect
Physical neglect – Includes abandonment or inadequate
supervision, and failure to provide for safety or physical
needs. Includes failure to thrive, malnutrition,
unsanitary conditions, or injuries from lack of
supervision.
Educational neglect – Includes not enrolling child in
school, or allowing child to engage in chronic truancy.
Emotional neglect - Includes withholding of affection or
attention, failure to provide psychological care, ignoring
the child’s emotional needs.
Medical neglect – Includes delay or denial of dental or
health care, or withholding medical care due to religious
beliefs. Some states will not prosecute due to withholding
of health care due to religious beliefs but court orders
are occasionally obtained to save a child's life.
Neglect Indicators
-Poor hygiene, including lice, scabies, severe or untreated
diaper rash, bedsores, body odour
- Squinting
- Unsuitable clothing; missing key articles of clothing
(underwear, socks, shoes); overdressed or underdressed for
climate conditions
- Untreated injury or illness
-Lack of immunizations
-Indicators of prolonged exposure to elements (excessive
sunburn, insect bites, colds)
- Height and weight significantly below age level
Physical Child Abuse
Physical abuse involves physical harm or injury to the child.
It may be the result of a deliberate attempt to hurt the child,
but not always. It can also result from severe discipline, such
as using a belt on a child, or physical punishment that is
inappropriate to the child’s age or physical condition.
Physical abuse is the most obvious form of abuse. It is an act
that results in physical injury to a child. Punching, beating,
kicking, biting, burning, breaking bones, hair pulling and
shaking a baby are examples of physical abuse.
Many physically abusive parents and caregivers insist that
their actions are simply forms of discipline—ways to make
children learn to behave. But there is a big difference between
using physical punishment to discipline and physical abuse. The
point of disciplining children is to teach them right from
wrong, not to make them live in fear.
Physical Abuse vs. Discipline
In physical abuse, unlike physical forms of discipline, the
following elements are present:
Unpredictability. The child never knows what is going to
set the parent off. There are no clear boundaries or
rules. The child is constantly walking on eggshells, never
sure what behavior will trigger a physical assault.
Lashing out in anger. Physically abusive parents act out
of anger and the desire to assert control, not the
motivation to lovingly teach the child. The angrier the
parent, the more intense the abuse.
Using fear to control behaviour. Parents who are
physically abusive may believe that their children need to
fear them in order to behave, so they use physical abuse
to “keep their child in line.” However, what children are
really learning is how to avoid being hit, not how to
behave or grow as individuals.
Child Sexual Abuse: A Hidden Type of Abuse
Sexual abuse is any misuse of a child for sexual pleasure or
gratification. It is the involvement of children in sexual
activities that they do not fully comprehend, that they are
unable to give informed consent to and/or that violates
societal taboos.
Child sexual abuse is an especially complicated form of abuse
because of its layers of guilt and shame. It's important to
recognize that sexual abuse doesn't always involve body
contact. Exposing a child to sexual situations or material is
sexually abusive, whether or not touching is involved.
While news stories of sexual predators are scary, what is even
more frightening is that sexual abuse usually occurs at the
hands of someone the child knows and should be able to trust—
most often close relatives. And contrary to what many believe,
it’s not just girls who are at risk. Boys and girls both suffer
from sexual abuse. In fact, sexual abuse of boys may be
underreported due to shame and stigma.
The problem of shame and guilt in child sexual abuse
Aside from the physical damage that sexual abuse can cause, the
emotional component is powerful and far-reaching. Sexually
abused children are tormented by shame and guilt. They may feel
that they are responsible for the abuse or somehow brought it
upon themselves. This can lead to self-loathing and sexual
problems as they grow older—often either excessive promiscuity
or an inability to have intimate relations.
The shame of sexual abuse makes it very difficult for children
to come forward. They may worry that others won’t believe them,
will be angry with them, or that it will split their family
apart.
Various Forms of Sexual Abuse
Non-touching sexual abuse - Indecent exposure or
exhibitionism, exposure to pornographic material or any
sexual act, including masturbation.
Touching sexual abuse – Fondling, making a child touch an
adult’s or
another child’s sexual organs, penetration of a child’s
vagina or anus by an adult or an object, and any other
sexual act with a child.
Sexual exploitation - Engaging a child for the purposes of
prostitution or using a child to film or photograph
pornographically.
2.5 THE IMPACT OF FAMILY PROBLEM ON CHILD ABUSE
Risk factors for child abuse and neglect:
While child abuse and neglect occurs in all types of families—
even in those that look happy from the outside—children are at a
much greater risk in certain situations.
Domestic violence. Witnessing domestic violence is terrifying
to children and emotionally abusive. Even if the mother does
her best to protect her children and keeps them from being
physically abused, the situation is still extremely damaging.
If you or a loved one is in an abusive relationships, getting
out is the best thing for protecting the children.
Alcohol and drug abuse. Living with an alcoholic or addict is
very difficult for children and can easily lead to abuse and
neglect. Parents who are drunk or high are unable to care for
their children, make good parenting decisions, and control
often-dangerous impulses. Substance abuse also commonly leads
to physical abuse.
Untreated mental illness. Parents who suffering from
depression, an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or another
mental illness have trouble taking care of themselves, much
less their children. A mentally ill or traumatized parent may
be distant and withdrawn from his or her children, or quick to
anger without understanding why. Treatment for the caregiver
means better care for the children.
Lack of parenting skills. Some caregivers never learned the
skills necessary for good parenting. Teen parents, for example,
might have unrealistic expectations about how much care babies
and small children need. Or parents who were themselves victims
of child abuse may only know how to raise their children the
way they were raised. In such cases, parenting classes,
therapy, and caregiver support groups are great resources for
learning better parenting skills.
Stress and lack of support. Parenting can be a very time-
intensive, difficult job, especially if you’re raising children
without support from family, friends, or the community or
you’re dealing with relationship problems or financial
difficulties. Caring for a child with a disability, special
needs, or difficult behaviors is also a challenge. It’s
important to get the support you need, so you are emotionally
and physically able to support your child.
2.6 CHILD ABUSE AND NIGERIAN CHILD RIGHTS ACT
2.6.1 The Child Rights Act
In 2003, Nigeria adopted the Child Rights Act to domesticate the
Convention on the Rights of the Child. Although this law was passed
at the Federal level, it is only effective if State Assemblies also
enact it. To date, only 16 of the country’s 36 States have passed
the Act. Intense advocacy continues for the other 20 States to pass
it.
This explains that this landmark legislative achievement has not yet
translated into improved legal protection throughout the Federation.
Nigeria has been unable to deal with several issues hindering the
protection rights of children such as children living on the
streets, children affected by communal conflict, drug abuse, human
trafficking and the weaknesses of the juvenile justice system
amongst others.
Children conflict with the law for a variety of reasons. Poverty,
social inequality, failed educational system, family problems, peer
pressure, social and religious conflicts in which children are used
as the foot soldiers are some of the factors that account for the
number of children in conflict with the law. Unfortunately these
child offenders are often treated like adults and mixed with adults
in prisons. Many are convicted and jailed without making contact
with a social worker or getting the opportunity to be heard.
The most recent report to the African Union on the rights and
welfare of the Nigerian child showed that about 6,000 children are
in prison and detention centres across the country. Girls make up
less than 10 per cent and they mainly come into contact with the law
as a result of criminal acts committed against them such as rape,
sexual exploitation and trafficking.
2.6.2: Overview of The Child’s Rights Act
When the various human rights documents are considered, even though
they are applicable to all human beings, they are not necessarily
child specific and fail to address the peculiar needs of children.
For the rights of the child, an International law or “International
Convention” was required.
On 20th November 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted
the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), whilst the OAU
Assembly of Heads of States and Governments adopted the African
Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (CRCW) in July
1990.
Nigeria has signed both International Instruments and had ratified
them in 1991 and 2000 respectively. Both international instruments
contain universal set of standards and principles for survival,
development, protection and participation of children. It reflects
children as human beings and as subjects of their own rights.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) outlines the human
rights to be respected and protected for every child under the age
of 18 years and requires that these rights are implemented.
Domestication of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: the
Child’s Rights Act
The Convention on the Rights of the child enjoins that “Member States
shall undertake to disseminate the Conventions principles and take all appropriate
legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the Rights
recognized in the present Convention.”
Against this background, a draft Child’s Rights Bill aimed at
principally enacting into Law in Nigeria the principles enshrined in
the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the AU Charter on the
Rights and Welfare of the Child was prepared in the early 90’s. But
it is only after about ten years with several Heads of Government
and heated debates by the Parliamentarians that the Bill was
eventually passed into Law by the National Assembly in July 2003. It
was assented to by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in September 2003, and promulgated as the
Child’s Rights Act 2003.
Structure and Content of the CRA
The structure of the Child’s Rights Act 2003 (CRA) has been informed by
the mandate to provide a legislation which incorporates all the
rights and responsibilities of children, and which consolidates all
laws relating to children into one single legislation, as well as
specifying the duties and obligations of government, parents and
other authorities, organizations and bodies.
Definition of a Child
The Act defines a child as one who is below the age of eighteen
years. It categorically provides that such a child’s best interests
shall remain paramount in all considerations. A child shall be given
such protection and care as is necessary for its well being,
retaining the right to survival and development and to a name and
registration at birth.
Basic Provisions of the CRA
• Provisions of freedom from discrimination on the grounds of
belonging to a particular community or ethnic group, place of
origin, sex, religion, the circumstances of birth, disability,
deprivation or political opinion; and it is stated categorically
that the dignity of the child shall be respected at all times.
• No Nigerian child shall be subjected to physical, mental or
emotional injury, abuse or neglect, maltreatment, torture,
inhuman or degrading punishment, attacks on his/her honor or
reputation.
• Every Nigerian child is entitled to rest, leisure and enjoyment of
the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual
health.
• Every government in Nigeria shall strive to reduce infant
mortality rate, provide medical and health care, adequate nutrition
and safe drinking water, hygienic and sanitized environments, combat
diseases and malnutrition, support and mobilize through local and
community resources, the development of primary health care for
children.
• Provisions for children in need of special protection measures
(mentally, physically challenged, or street children): they are
protected in a manner that would enable them achieve their
fullest, possible social integration, and moral development.
• Expectant and nursing mothers shall be catered for, and every
parent or guardian having legal custody of a child under the age
of two years shall ensure its immunization against diseases, or
face judicial penalties.
• Betrothal and marriage of children are prohibited.
• Causing tattoos or marks, and female genital mutilation are made
punishable offences under the Act; and so also is the exposure to
pornographic materials, trafficking of children, their use of
narcotic drugs, or the use of children in any criminal
activities, abduction and unlawful removal or transfer from
lawful custody, and employment of children as domestic helps
outside their own home or family environment.
• Child abduction and forced exploitative labor (which is not of a
light nature) or in an industrial undertaking are also stated to
be offences. The exceptions to these provisions are where the
child is employed by a family member, in work that is of an
agricultural or horticultural or domestic in nature, and if such
a child is not required to carry or move anything heavy that is
likely to adversely affect its moral, mental, physical spiritual
or social development.
• Buying, selling, hiring or otherwise dealing in children for
purpose of begging, hawking, prostitution or for unlawful immoral
purposes are made punishable by long terms of imprisonment. Other
offences considered grave include sexual abuse, general
exploitation which is prejudicial to the welfare of the child,
recruitment into the armed forces and the importation /exposure
of children to harmful publications. It further preserves the
continued application of all criminal law provisions securing the
protection of the child whether born or unborn.
2.7 Relationship Between Poverty and Child Abuse
According to Owuamanam et al [2008], the African Charter on the
rights and welfare of the child recognizes that the child in any
African setting occupies a unique and privilege position and that
the child should grow up in a complete state of wellbeing to be
provided by the family for full and harmonious development of his
personality. The requirements embedded for a complete state of
wellbeing are basic amenities, parental responsibilities in all
dimensions, freedom to belong, adequate shelter, personal growth,
autonomy, purpose in life, environmental mastery, and positive
relations with others. Poverty has made it very difficult for many
African children to achieve all these.
Poverty is one of the major problems facing families in Africa.
Poverty creates an environment that is very damaging to the
development of children in every way, and affects their mental,
physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. It threatens the
children’s rights to education, good nutrition, stable health,
survival, protection from exploitation and harm and also exposes
them to all forms of abuses (Owuamanam et al [2008]),
There are various types of child abuse. There are physical abuse,
sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. Physical child abuse is
an injury resulting from physical aggression. Even if the injury was
not intended, the act is considered physical abuse. Sexual child
abuse is a sexual act between an adult a child.
Emotional child abuse is any attitude, behaviour, or failure to act
that interferes with a child's mental health social development. It
can range from a simple verbal insult to an extreme form of
punishment. Neglect is a very common type of child abuse. According
to Child Welfare Information Gateway [2007] more children suffer
from neglect than from physical and sexual abuse combined. Yet
victims are not often identified, primarily because neglect is a
type of child abuse that is an act of omission, of not doing
something. Child abuse occurs in many forms and across all socio-
economic groups. It is a known fact that some parents who live in
poverty do not maltreat their children but research shows that
children who grow up in poverty can be more vulnerable to some forms
of maltreatment, particularly neglect and physical abuse. They also
have an increased risk of adverse experiences and negative outcomes,
both in the short and long term. These outcomes include poor health
(physical and mental), death from illness or accident, educational
disadvantage and disaffection, unemployment, poverty during
adulthood,
criminalization for anti-social behavior or offending, as well as
becoming victims of crime. Children who experience both poverty and
maltreatment are doubly disadvantaged because the experience of
maltreatment may in turn further undermine life chances in the long
term (NSPCC [2008]).
2.8 THE ROLE OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND PUBLIC COMPLAINT
COMMISSION IN FIGHTING CHILD ABUSE
2.8.1 The Mandate Of NHRC
The NHRC (Amendment) Act, 2010 has conferred on the Commission additional independence and strengthened the Commission’s powers with respect to promotion and protection of human rights, investigation of alleged violation of human rights and enforcement of decisions. The new Act has also widened the scope of the Commission’s Mandate to include vetting of legislations at all levels to ensure their compliance with human rights norms.
Specifically, the NHRC is mandated to:
(a) deal with all matters relating to the promotion and protection of human rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination, the InternationalConvention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, theConvention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international and regional instrumentson human rights to which Nigeria is a party;
(b) monitor and investigate all alleged cases of human rights violations in Nigeria and make appropriate recommendations to the Federal Government for the prosecution and such other actions as it may deem expedient in each circumstance;
(c) assist victims of human rights violations and seek appropriate redress and remedies on their behalf;
(d) undertake studies on all matters pertaining to human rights and
assist the Federal, State and Local Governments, where it considers it appropriate to do so, in the formulation of appropriate policies on the guarantee of human rights;
(e) publish and submit, from time to time, to the President, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, State and Local Governments, reports on the state of human rights promotion and protection in Nigeria;
(f) organize local and international seminars, workshops and conferences on human rights issues for public enlightenment;
(g) liaise and cooperate, in such a manner as it considers appropriate, with local and international organizations on human rights for the purpose of advancing the promotion and protection of human rights;
(h) participate, in such manner as it considers appropriate, in all international activities relating to the promotion and protection ofhuman rights;
(i) maintain a library, collect data and disseminate information andmaterials on human rights generally;
(j) receive and investigate complaints concerning violations of human rights and make appropriate determination as may be deemed necessary in each circumstance;
(k) examine any existing legislation, administrative provisions and proposed bills or bye-laws for the purpose of ascertaining whether such enactments or proposed bills or bye-laws are consistent with human rights norms;
(l) prepare and publish, in such a manner as the Commission considers appropriate, guidelines for the avoidance of acts or practices with respect to the functions and powers of the Commissionunder this Act;
(m) promote an understanding of public discussion of human rights
issues in Nigeria;
(n) undertake research and education programmes and such other programmes for promoting and protecting human rights and co-ordinateany such programme on behalf of the Federal, State or Local Government on its own initiative or when so requested by the Federal, State or Local Government and report concerning the enactment of legislation on matters relating to human rights;
(o) on its own initiative or when requested by the Federal, State orLocal Government, report on action that should be taken by the Federal, State or Local Government to comply with the provisions of any relevant international human rights instruments;
(p) refer any matter on human rights violation requiring prosecutionto the Attorney-General of the Federation or of a State, as the casemay be;
(q) where it considers it appropriate to do so, act as a conciliatorbetween parties to a complaint;
(r) carry out all such other functions as are necessary or expedientfor the performance of these functions under the Act.
2.8.2. ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION
Since its establishment the Commission has demonstrated an expansive
capacity to tackle issues of human rights abuses through various
activities, ranging from public enlightenment and education,
investigation of complaints, mediation and conciliation, conflict
resolution, peace building, research advocacy and training
programmes on contemporary issues in the field of human rights.
These were given effect through an effective complaint treatment
mechanism, regular hosting of enlightenment seminars, workshops,
rallies and continuous reengineering of strategies which culminated
in the National Action Plan (NAP) for the promotion and protection
of human rights. The NAP has been deposited with the office of the
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) as a
benchmark for assessing Nigeria’s human rights records, as well as
government’s commitment towards the promotion and protection of
human right.
Human Right Promotion
The Commission, realizing that human rights campaign cannot be
achieved solely through the development of protective laws or
establishment of mechanisms to implement those laws, engages in
series of educational and public enlightenment programmes to raise
public awareness on human rights issues. The Commission regularly
holds workshops, seminars, conferences and interactive sessions with
relevant stakeholders. The Commission has also engaged in continuous
media advocacy and periodic publications aimed at disseminating
appropriate human rights messages. Sensitization, education and
enlightenment programmes have also been carried out by the
Commission in collaboration with NGOs and CBOs, to raise awareness
on human rights throughout the country. Village Square meetings are
also held across the country to discuss the mandate of the
Commission and other issues of relevance to specific local
environments.
Human Right Protection
A robust and effective complaint treatment mechanism has been put in
place at the Headquarters and all the six Zonal Offices to handle
all complaints of human rights violations. Additional offices are
now being established to increase access to the Commission’s
complaint-treatment mechanism. All victims of human rights
violations can therefore access the services of the Commission free
of charge, at any of the Commission’s offices.
Human Right Enforcement
There has been a high level of compliance with the decisions of the
commission by alleged violators of human rights since its
establishment in 1995. The NHRC (Amendment) Act, 2010 has however
conferred on the commission express powers to enforce her decisions.
Under this provision, decisions of the commission’s Governing
Council are registrable as decisions of the High Court.
2.9 EFFECTS OF ABUSE ON CHILDREN
All types of child abuse and neglect leave lasting scars. Some of
these scars might be physical, but emotional scarring has long
lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child’s sense of self,
ability to have healthy relationships, and ability to function at
home, at work and at school. Some effects include:
Lack of trust and relationship difficulties. If you can’t trust
your parents, who can you trust? Abuse by a primary caregiver
damages the most fundamental relationship as a child—that you
will safely, reliably get your physical and emotional needs met
by the person who is responsible for your care. Without this
base, it is very difficult to learn to trust people or know who
is trustworthy. This can lead to difficulty maintaining
relationships due to fear of being controlled or abused. It can
also lead to unhealthy relationships because the adult doesn’t
know what a good relationship is.
Core feelings of being “worthless” or “damaged.” If you’ve been
told over and over again as a child that you are stupid or no
good, it is very difficult to overcome these core feelings. You
may experience them as reality. Adults may not strive for more
education, or settle for a job that may not pay enough, because
they don’t believe they can do it or are worth more. Sexual
abuse survivors, with the stigma and shame surrounding the
abuse, often especially struggle with a feeling of being
damaged.
Trouble regulating emotions. Abused children cannot express
emotions safely. As a result, the emotions get stuffed down,
coming out in unexpected ways. Adult survivors of child abuse
can struggle with unexplained anxiety, depression, or anger.
They may turn to alcohol or drugs to numb out the painful
feelings.
2.10 SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE
Direct Costs
Hospital costs for medical treatment of injuries sustained
as a result of physical abuse
Costs for police and Child Protective Services
Court and other legal costs
Foster care costs resulting from the removal of children
from abusive homes
Crisis intervention counseling
Ongoing family intervention services
Indirect Costs
Lower academic achievement
Juvenile and adult crime increase
Court and other legal costs
Mental health problems
Cycle of violence continuum
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN
The statement of the problem above and the objectives of the
research is a useful guide in determining which research design to
use in carrying out this study. After having clearly examined the
problem and the objectives, the following research designs was used
in the study:
1. Exploratory Research:
This research design was used in the first instance to get more
information about the problem and it will open up more avenues to
finally address the problem.
a) It will help to properly define the problem of child abuse more
precisely
b) Help to identify and isolate the possible key variables and how
they relate to contribute to the problem of child abuse
c) It will help gain insight into developing an approach to
finally reducing the problem of child abuse
d) Help to elicit the social and psychological effect of abuse on
children
e) To identify major causes of action to take and how, when and
where to take it
f) Establish priorities for future research
Two methods were used under this design:
I. Secondary Data/information research:
Under this method, some notable authors and writers have
written on the subject of child abuse and so many publications
that can be accessed to provide more insights into the topic
was reviewed. The following sources were explored for
information on Child Abuse:
1) Newspapers/magazines
2) Journals/periodicals
3) Seminars/workshops papers
4) Opinion leaders’ articles on cyber crime.
5) Library materials-textbooks, and
6) Internet
7) Blogs
8) Online newswire
II. Experienced Surveys:
In order to approach the study, knowledgeable and experienced people
in the child’s right protection and enforcement, were administered
questionnaire on the problem to get their view and perception about
the problem. This category of respondents have been identified as
stakeholders and the information from them will help provide insight
into the immediate causes, effect and also help chart a course for
remedial solution to the problem.
In this study a total of 200 respondents was sampled and
administered questionnaire among the identified stakeholders or
population. The questionnaire was proportionally distributed based
on the identified characteristics of the population. The
distribution of the data collection instrument was done within the
FCT and it took two weeks to be administered.
3.2 POPULATION OF STUDY
The population used in this project work is a randomly selected
respondent from the identified stakeholders below who are resident
within the FCT. It serves as a primary source of information.
The identified stakeholders for the study:
6. Civil servants
7. The Nigeria Police Force
8. Nigeria Immigration service
9. Civil Defence Corps
10. Professionals (Doctors, Lawyers etc)
11. Market women (traders)
12. Teachers
13. Civil Societies/NGOs
14. General Public
3.3 METHOD OF SAMPLE SELLECTION USED FOR THE STUDY
A sample is a subset or representative of the total population. The
determination of the sample size of respondents for the study was
done giving recognition to unbiasedness and fair representation of
the whole population. Moreover, it should be born in mind that the
greater the extent of the reliability of the data collected, the
more confidence one can generalize the outcome of the research to
the entire population.
The researcher decided to use simple random sampling method in the
selection of the required sample size for the study from the
population. This is to ensure that all members of the identified
population of study have equal and unrestricted chance of being
represented in the sample. This helps remove all cases of biased.
3.4. RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS
The research instrument is the questionnaire titled “Child Abuse
Questionnaire (CAQ), was administered to respondents to evaluate their views
regarding the effect if child abuse on the victim, family, and the
Nigeria society. The questionnaire incorporated all the research
questions earlier stated. The research instrument was administered
by the researcher using the support of other students. Responses
will be on Lickert Scale.
3.5 VALIDATION AND RELIABILITY
The face-validity and content-validity of the research instrument
were verified by experts in the subject area. The various
suggestions made were used to modify the instrument. The Alpha(α)
reliability measure for research data was 0.95 for the
questionnaire.
3.6 RESEARCH PROCEDURE
A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed to sampled
respondents within the scope of area of study. The questionnaire,
though, was distributed to the primary respondents randomly without
any bias for age, sex, or religion; it was distributed among adults
age 18 and above who are able to understand what the study is all
about and answer the questionnaire appropriately.
The questionnaire was distributed based on the following percentage
allocations:
Sample of Respondents Percentage
Questionnaire
allocation
Total No of
Questionnaire
allocatedCivil servants 10 20The Nigeria Police Force 15 30Nigeria Immigration service 10 20Civil Defence Corps 10 20Professionals (Doctors,
Lawyers etc)
10 20
Market women (traders) 15 30
Teachers 10 20
Civil Societies/NGOs 10 20
General Public 10 20
Total
100%
200
3.7. METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
In order to generate relevant information from the study,
appropriate statistical techniques were adopted to help present the
data in the simplest method for understanding. The following
analytical techniques were applied:
1. Percentages
2. Frequencies
3. Chi-square
4. Tables
5. Chart and graphs
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND DATA ANALYSIS
4.1 DATA PRESENTATION
The researcher carried out the study within the Federal Capital
Territory by distributing a total of 200 questionnaires among the
randomly selected sample of respondents within the stakeholders
identified for this study within the FCT. The questionnaire was
allocated as show below:
Respondents Percentage
Questionnaire
allocation
Total No.
of
Questionn
aire
allocated
No. of
questionnaire
returned
Civil servants 10 20 18The Nigeria Police
Force
15 30 26
Nigeria Immigration
service
10 20 19
Civil Defence Corps 10 20 20
Professionals
(Doctors, Lawyers
etc)
10 20 15
Market women
(traders)
15 30 24
Teachers 10 20 18Civil Societies/NGOs 10 20 20General Public 10 20 19
Total
100%
N=200 n=179
The table above shows that out of a total of 200 questionnaires
distributed, 179 was returned giving a total of 89.5% response from
the respondents. Therefore, all analyses and presentation is going
to be based ONLY on the returned questionnaire.
4.1.1. ANALYSIS OF CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESPONDENTS
(1) Gender (sex)
Male58%
Female42%
Gender Distribution of Respondents
N=179 respondents
The chart shows that 58% of the respondents were Male while the
remaining 42% were Females.
(2). Age
AgeGroup
No. ofrespondents
Percentage ofRespondents
18 –25 19 1126 –35 48 2736 –45 59 3346 –55 31 1756+ 22 12Total 179 100N=179 respondents
Male58%
Female42%
Gender Distribution of Respondents
18 – 25
26 – 35
36 – 45
46 – 55
56+0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%
11%
27%
33%
17%12%
Age chart of Respondents
% of
res
ponden
ts
Presentation: The result shows that age groups 26-35 and 36-45 have
the largest number of respondents with about 60% of the total
respondents.
(3). Educational Status
EducationLevel
Frequency
Percentage ofRespondents
Primary 8 4Secondary 59 33Tertiary 46 26University 66 37Total 179 100N=179 respondents
(4). Economic Status
StatusFrequency
Percentage ofRespondents
Employed(Public/private) 107 60Unemployed 29 16Business/Self-employed 43 24Total 179 100N=179 respondents
4%33%
26%
37%
Education Status of Respondents
60%16%
24%
Education Status of RespondentsEmployed
(Public/private)
Unemployed
Business/Self-employed
4.2. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
The result of analysis of questionnaire bothering on child abuse
will be presented below:
QC1. How would you assess the rate of Child abuse in Nigeria?
OptionsFrequency
% ofRespondents
The rate is on the increase 105 59The rate has drastically reduced 61 34Don’t know 13 7Total 179 100
04080 59%
34%7%
Fig. QC1: How would you assess the rate of child
abuse in Nigeria?
Options
% of
res
pond
ents
Presentation: The chart above shows that 59% of the respondentsbelieve that the rate of child abuse in Nigeria is on the increase,while 34% thinks that the rate is on the decrease and seven percentdidn’t know whether it is on the increase or decrease.
QC2: The increasing wave of Child Abuse in Nigeria has been adducedto the high level of poverty and economic deprivation in thecountry……,
QC2
OptionsFrequency
Percentage ofRespondents
I stronglyagree 88 49I agree 36 21Neutral 10 6I disagree 32 17 I stronglydisagree 12 7Total 178 100N=178 respondents
Presentation: The chart above shows that about 70% of the
respondents cumulatively agree that poverty and economic deprivation
are the major cause of Child abuse in Nigeria
QC3: From your own perspective, how would you assess the performance
of Human Rights institutions in Nigeria towards addressing the issue
of child abuse?
49%
21%6%
17%7%
Whether high level of poverty and economic deprivation is
responsible for the high rate of child abuse in NigeriaI strongly
agreeI agreeNeutralI disagree I strongly disagree
05101520253035
10%
21%
13%
23%
33%Assessing the performance of Human Rights institutions in addressing child abuse
% of
res
pond
ents
Presentation: The result from the chart above that a total of 56%
(cumulative) said they were unsatisfied with the performance of the
Human Rights institutions in Nigeria in addressing the rate of child
abuse in Nigeria, while 31%(cumulative) said they were satisfied with
their performance and 11% were Neutral in their opinion.
QC4: The prevention and fight against child abuse would be more
fruitful if there are punitive laws and effective judicial system to
prosecute offenders……?
QC4
OptionsFrequency
Percentage ofRespondents
Yes, I agree 88 49No, I disagree 65 37I Don’tknow 25 14Total 178 100
49%37%
14%
Fig. QC4: Is punitive laws and effective judicial system an
antidote to child abuse?Yes, I agreeNo, I disagreeI Don’t know
05101520253035
10%
21%
13%
23%
33%Assessing the performance of Human Rights institutions in addressing child abuse
% of
res
pond
ents
N=178 respondents
Presentation: The analysis shows that 49% of the respondents Agree
with the notion that punitive laws and effective judiciary system
will curb Child abuse while 37% of the respondents Disagree with the
notion and 14% couldn’t agree or disagree.
QC5: In order to monitor and apprehend child abusers, do you think
the Nigerian government is doing enough to arrest the situation?
QC5:
OptionsFrequency
Percentage ofRespondents
Yes 61 34No 95 53Don’tknow 22 13Total 178 100
QC6: Do you think that the influence of religion and culture is
contributing to child abuse in Nigeria?
34%
53%
13%
Is Nigerian government doing enough to tackle child abusers?
YesNoDon’t know
Yes No Don’t know0%10%20%30%40%50%
43%
29% 28%
Fig. QC 6: Does religious and cultural influence contribute to child abuse in Nigeria?
Options
% re
sponde
nts
Presentation: From the chart analysis, it is shown that 43% of the
respondents said Yes, that religious and cultural influence
contribute to child abuse in Nigeria, 29% of them said No, that
religion and culture has nothing to do with child abuse, while 28%
were undecided.
QC 7: The Child Rights Act of 2006 was enacted to protect the rights
of the Nigerian child. How effective has this law been able to to
protect the rights of the Nigerian child vis-à-vis child abuse?
10%16%
9%21%
44%
Fig. QC7.: How effective is the Child Rights Act of 2006 in protecting Nigerian
child against abuse?
Very effective EffectiveNeutral IneffectiveVery ineffective
Yes No Don’t know0%10%20%30%40%50%
43%
29% 28%
Fig. QC 6: Does religious and cultural influence contribute to child abuse in Nigeria?
Options
% re
sponde
nts
Presentation: The result in the chart above shows that cumulative
65% of the respondents said the law is Ineffective, 26% cumulative
also said the law is effective, while nine percent were undecided in
their opinion.
4.2.1 TEST OF HYPOTHESIS
The three Hypotheses formulated for the study will now be
tested whether it agrees or disagree with the outcome of the
analysis done above. The analysis for the following questions
will be used to test the hypotheses for validity.
HYPOTHESIS ONE
H0: Child abuse cases are no longer prevalent in the Nigeria society.
H1: Child abuse cases are still prevalent in Nigeria society.
Data Presentation and Interpretation: From QC1
Chi Square Table 1
X f f’(f-f’)
(f-f’)2
Χ2 = (f-
f’)/f’ The rate is on the increase 105 59.6
45.4 2061.16
34.6
The rate has drastically reduced 61 59.6
1.4 1.96 0.03
Don’t know 13 59.6-46.6 2171.
5636.4
Total 179 179 71.03N=179 respondents
Chi-Square AnalysisX2value = 71.03; Degree of freedom = 3 - 1 = 2X2at 2d.f and α@ .95 = 5.991
Decision: We reject Ho if X2(actual) is greater than X2(theoretical)
Conclusion: From the analysis above, 71.03> 5.991, meaning that the
difference between the actual and the theoretical distribution is
significant and not due to chance.
We therefore reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative
hypothesis that cases of child abuse in Nigeria is still prevalent.
This means government need to do more in that regard by addressing
the underlying causes.
HYPOTHESIS TWO
H0: There is no significant relationship between poverty and child
abuse in Nigeria
H1: There is a significant relationship between poverty and child abuse in
Nigeria
Data Presentation and Interpretation: From QC2
Chi Square Table 2
X f f’(f-f’)
(f-f’)2
Χ2 = (f-
f’)/f’
I strongly agree 88 35.652.4 2745.
7677.1
I agree 36 35.6 0.4 0.16 0.004
Neutral 10 35.6-25.6 655.3
618.4
I disagree 32 35.6 -3.6 12.96 0.36 I stronglydisagree 12 35.6
-23.6 556.96
15.6
Total 178 178 111.46N=178 respondentsChi-Square Analysis
X2value = 111.46; Degree of freedom = 5 - 1 = 4X2at 4d.f and α@ .95 =9.488
Decision: We reject Ho if X2(actual) is greater than X2(theoretical)
Conclusion: From the analysis above, 111.46 > 9.488, meaning that
the difference between the actual and the theoretical distribution
is significant and not due to chance.
We therefore reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative
hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between poverty
and child abuse in Nigeria
HYPOTHESIS THREE
H0: Religious and cultural influences do not contribute
to child abuse in Nigeria
H1: Religious and cultural influences do contribute to
child abuse in Nigeria
Data Presentation and Interpretation: From QC3
Chi Square table 3
X F f’f-f’ (f-f’)2 χ2
= (f-f’)/f’
Yes 7659.6
16.4 268.96 4.51
No 5259.6
-7.6 57.76 0.97
Don’t know 5159.6
-8.6 73.96 1.24
Total 179 179.0 6.72
N=178 respondents
Chi-Square Analysis X2 value = 6.72; Degree of freedom = 3 - 1 = 2X2 at 2 d.f and α @ .95 = 5.991Decision: We reject Ho if X2(actual) is greater than X2(theoretical)
Conclusion: From the analysis above, 6.72 >5.991, meaning that the
difference between the actual and the theoretical distribution is
significant and not due to chance. We therefore reject the null
hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis that religious and
cultural influences do contribute to child abuse in Nigeria.
This means that, there are some religious belief and cultural
practices which violates the rights and abuse the Nigerian child.
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary
The objective of this study is causes, types and effects of child
abuse on the child, the family and the nation. The work is meant to
draw closer attention on this increasing scourge and access measures
of addressing to preserve the fundamental human rights of the child
as entrenched under the Nigeria Child Right Act. The researcher
understudied the role of Human Rights institutions in the country in
addressing the problem of child abuse.
In the study, the researcher defined what is child abuse, the
various forms of child abuse, and also identified some of the causes
and consequences of child abuse as a reflection of the societal
problem and its impact on the life of the child. The study also
evaluated the extent of damages it does to the abused child and the
Nigerian society. In order to gather relevant data and information
on the subject matter, the researcher used the questionnaire as data
collection instrument, which was administered on 200 respondents
within the FCT which is the limit of the scope of the study. A
self- constructed questionnaire titled Child Abuse Questionnaire
(CAQ) was administered on the students after validation. The
instrument has construct validity co-efficient of 0.756 and a
reliability co-efficient of 0.95. The statistical technique that was
used to analyse the data collected was Chi-Square distribution test.
The result of the analysis showed that there was a significant
relationship between poverty and economic deprivation and child
abuse in Nigeria. Also the study revealed that child abuse is still
very prevalent in Nigeria and also that religious and cultural
influences contribute to child abuse in Nigeria.
Secondly the study examined how the Nigerian government is
addressing the situation through its various Right institutions. The
result revealed that the Rights institutions are not doing enough to
arrest the problem of child abuse and that the child right act is
not working in Nigeria.
Thirdly, the psychological effects it has on the average Nigerian
child and how they affect their future was examined.
5.2 CONCLUSION
Child abuse consists of any act, or failure to act, that
endangers a child's physical or emotional health and
development. Child abusers inflict physical, sexual and
emotional trauma on defenseless children every day. The scars
can be deep and long-lasting. Unfortunately, the more subtle
forms of child abuse such as neglect and emotional abuse can be
even more traumatizing than violent physical abuse.
Poverty is one of the major problems facing families in Africa.
Poverty creates an environment that is very damaging to the
development of children in every way, and affects their mental,
physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. It threatens the
children’s rights to education, good nutrition, stable health,
survival, protection from exploitation and harm and also
exposes them to all forms of abuses Owuamanam et al (2008).
Also religious and cultural influences contribute to child
abuse and the Child Right Act is not effective to protect the
rights of the child against all forms of abuse. Most times
child abusers go scot-free and are not punished as a deterrent
to others.
5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
In view of the outcome of this study, the researcher wants to
make the following recommendations which will to a large extent
reduce the rising incidence of child abuse in Nigeria:
1. Free, universal and compulsory education should be made
available to all Nigerian children up to secondary school
level. This will alleviate the burden of poverty stricken
parents and guardians.
2. Considering that some aspects of child abuse are rooted in
economic difficulties, it is
recommended that local agencies and NGOs should focus on
income generating
activities and microcredit for parents.
3. Due to poverty, many children do not have enough to eat. It
is therefore recommended that school meals should be
introduced and considered an important contribution by
government to improvement of nutritional standard of the
child in this period of profound economic crisis.
4. There is the need for Human Rights institutions of
government and right NGOs to wake up to their
responsibilities and ensure that the rights of the Nigeria
child are protected.
5. There is the need for public enlightenment by government
agencies like National Orientation Agency (NOA) to embark on
aggressive campaign to educate the public on the evil of
child abuse.
6. The Nigerian government needs to fund the Human Rights
institutions for them to be able to carry out their mandate.
7. The Child Rights Act should be fully implemented by all
states and the judiciary should equally be empowered to
prosecute child abuser to serve as deterrent to others.
8. Religious and community leaders should be co-opted in the
fight against child abuse through advocacy and help
enlighten their subjects about the ills of child abuse.
5.4 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Based on the outcome of the study, which cannot be exhausted, the
following suggestion is made for further study on the subject:
1. Effect of Child Abuse the psychological development of Nigeria
child
2. Impact of Child abuse on the Nigeria’s social sector
3. Protecting the rights of Nigerian child; A study of the Child
Right Act
REFERENCES
1. Adeniran, K. (2003). Child Abuse and Neglect among Junior
Secondary School students in Ibarapa area of Oyo Slate Nigeria. A
dissertation submitted to the department of Health Promotion and
Education. College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.
2. Ale, A. (2007 March 17). Where have the Parents gone?: Family
experts decry neglect at the home front. Saturday. Punch, p.3.
3. Aluko, J.A (1996). Child Abuse, Neglect and Prevention. A paper
presented at African Network for the Prevention and Protection
Against Child Abuse and Neglect Conference in Jos.
4. Butler, V.R. and Burton. L.M. (1990). Rethinking teenage
childbearing: Is sexual abuse a missing link? Family Relations 39(2):
73-80.
5. Cawson, P. (2002). Child Maltreatment in the Family: The
Experience of a National Sample of Young People. London: NSPCC.
6. Child Welfare Information Gateway (2007). U S. Department of
Health and Human Services. Retrieved on 31/8/2007
7. De Leonardi, J.W. (1993). Families in poverty and chronic neglect
of children. Families in Society, 557-562.
8. Drake, Brett and Shanta Pandey (1996). Understanding the
relationship between neighborhood poverty and specific types of
child maltreatment. Child Abuse and Neglect. 20 (11): 1003-1018.
9. Drucker. P.M. (1997). The Consequences of Poverty and Child
Maltreatment on IQ Scores. The Vincentia Center for Church and
Society.
10. eNotes Viewpoints (2008). Poverty Causes Child Abuse.
eNotescom. http ://www.enotes.com
11. Gelles, R.J. (1992). Poverty and violence toward children.
American Behavioural Scientist. 35 (3): 258-274.
12. Hopper, C.A. et al (2007). Living with Hardship 24/7: The
Diverse Experiences of Families in Poverty in England. York: The
Frank Buttle Trust.
13. NSPCC (2008). Poverty and Child Maltreatment. Child Protection
Research Briefing. The Online Child Protection Resource.
www.nspcc.org. uk/inform.
14. Owuamanam, D.O, Owuamanam, T.O, Akinleye, G.A, Odu, B.K(2008).
Introduction to Psychology of Education. Vintage publishers, Ibadan,
Nigeria.
15. Spinetta, J. Rigler, S. (1992). The child-abusing parent: A
psychological review. Psychological Bulletin 77:296-304.
16. Townsend, P. (1979). Poverty in the United Kingdom: A Survey of
Household Resources and Standards of Living. Harmondsworth: Penguin
Books.
17. United Nation Children's Fund (1989). United Nations Convention
on the Right of the child and organization of African Unity Charter.
Lagos Country Office.
18. Xierali, I. (2006). Poverty and Child Abuse Counts. University
of Cincinnati. United State of America.
19.Collins concise dictionary. Revised third edition. Harper Collins
Publishers, Glasgow.1995. P. 706.
20. The Federal government of Nigeria: The Labour Act. Section
58(8): 1974.
21. United State Department of State. Nigeria country report of
human right practices: released by the bureau of democracy, human
right and labour. March 4, 2002: 1–29 section 6.
22. World Health Organisation. Violence against women. A priority
health issue. Geneva 1997,1–12.
23. Melesse F, Kessie A. Child abuse in urban setting: a one year
analysis of hospital information on abuse children at yekakit
hospital Addis Ababa. Ethiop Med J. 2005:43(4); 223–232.
24. The NHRC (Amendment) Act, 2010: National Human Rights
Commission, Abuja
QUESTIONNAIRE
This questionnaire is designed to collect data on a project titled;
THE ROLES OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND PUBLIC COMPLAINT COMMISSION: A STUDY
OF CHILD ABUSE IN NIGERIA
The project is part of the requirements for the award of Bachelor of
Science Degree in CRIMINOLOGY AND SECURITY STUDIES from National
Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
Kindly complete the questionnaire below and tick where appropriate.
The information given will be treated with utmost confidence and it isintended for academic purpose only.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
Yours faithfully
………………………………….
School of Arts and Social Sciences
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)
Section A: Demographic Data
Please, tick (√) any answer of your choice in the space
1. What is your sex?
a. Male ( )
b. Female ( )
2. Indicate your Age bracket?
a. 18 – 25 years ( )
b. 26 – 35 years ( )
c. 36 – 45 years ( )
d. 46 – 55 ( )
e. 56 and above ( )
3. Highest formal Education attained?
a) Primary Education ( )
b) Secondary Education ( )
c) Tertiary Education ( )
d) University Education ( )
4. What is your economic status?
a. Employed(public/private) ( )
b. Unemployed ( )
c. Business/self employed ( )
SECTION B: TOPICAL ISSUES
QC1. How would you assess the rate of Child abuse in Nigeria?
A. The rate is on the increaseB. The rate has drastically reducedC. Don’t know
QC2: The increasing wave of Child Abuse in Nigeria has been adducedto the high level of poverty and economic deprivation in thecountry……,
A. I strongly agree
B. I agree
C. Neutral
D. I disagree
E. I strongly disagree
QC3: From your own perspective, how would you assess the performance
of Human Rights institutions in Nigeria towards addressing the issue
of child abuse?
A. Very satisfactory
B. Satisfactory
C. Neutral
D. Unsatisfactory
E. Very Unsatisfactory
QC4: The prevention and fight against child abuse would be more
fruitful if there are punitive laws and effective judicial system to
prosecute offenders……?
A. Yes, I agree
B. No, I disagree
C. I Don’t know
QC5: In order to monitor and apprehend child abusers, do you think
the Nigerian government is doing enough to arrest the situation?
A. Yes
B. No
C. I don’t know
QC 6: Do you think that the influence of religion and culture is
contributing to child abuse in Nigeria?
A. Yes
B. No
C. I don’t know
QC 7: The Child Rights Act of 2006 was enacted to protect the
rights of the Nigerian child. How effective has this law been
able to to protect the rights of the Nigerian child vis-à-vis
child abuse?
A. Very effective
B. Effective
C. Neutral
D. Ineffective
E. Very ineffective
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