Law to punish violence against women coming soon – Mark

Senate President David Mark has assured of a speedy passage of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill into law as part of measures to stop domestic violence or harmful practices against women in Nigeria.

The Bill sought to eliminate violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence, discrimination and provide maximum protection and remedies for victims, as well as punishment for offenders.

Senator Mark said this while responding to a request from the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Maina, at weekend in Abuja.

He said the bill, when passed into law, would address the inadequacies in the current laws regulating the Nigerian criminal justice system and respond to emerging forms of violence.

“We shall give the bill its utmost priority and urgency. We shall do everything possible to stop violence, especially domestic or violence against women in public and private spaces,” he said.

He told the Women Affairs Minister and other women groups to intensify enlightenment and advocacy to create awareness on the social problem, even as he blamed violence against women on ignorance.

Earlier, Hajiya Maina requested the Senate President to facilitate the passage of the bill into law in order to ensure the safety of women and girls everywhere in Nigeria.