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 ONE
1.1 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:
6. Market women (traders)
1. Civil servants
7. Teachers
2. The Nigeria Police Force
8. Civil Societies/NGOs/Childcare
3. Nigeria Immigration service
Institutions
4. Civil Defence Corps
9. General Public
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
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 TWO
LITERATURE 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 International
Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms
of Discrimination Against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on
Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international and regional instruments on 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 of human rights;

(i) maintain a library, collect data and disseminate information and materials 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 Commission under 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-ordinate any 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 or Local 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 prosecution to the Attorney-General of the
Federation or of a State, as the case may be;

(q) where it considers it appropriate to do so, act as a conciliator between parties to a complaint;

(r) carry out all such other functions as are necessary or expedient for 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 Total No of Questionnaire
allocation allocated
Civil servants 10 20
The Nigeria Police Force 15 30
Nigeria Immigration service 10 20
Civil Defence Corps 10 20
Professionals (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 Total No. of No. of questionnaire

Questionnaire allocation Questionnaire returned
allocated
Civil servants 10 20 18

The Nigeria Police Force 15 30 26

Nigeria Immigration service 10 20 19
Civil Defence Corps 10 20 20
Professionals (Doctors, 10 20 15
Lawyers etc)
Market women (traders) 15 30 24

Teachers 10 20 18
Civil Societies/NGOs 10 20 20

General 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)

Gender Distribution of Respondents

Female
42%
Male
58%

N=179 respondents
The chart shows that 58% of the respondents were Male while the remaining 42% were Females.

(2). Age
Percentage
Age No. of of Age chart of Respondents
Group respondents Respondents 35% 33%
18 – 25 19 11
30%
26 – 35 48 27 27%
% of respondents

36 – 45 59 33 25%
46 – 55 31 17 20% 17%
56+ 22 12 15% 12%
11%
Total 179 100
10%
N=179 respondents
5%
0%
18 – 26 – 36 – 46 –
56+
25 35 45 55
% of Respondents 11% 26% 33% 17% 12%

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
Percentage Education Status of Respondents
Education of
Level Frequency Respondents
Primary 8 4
4%
Secondary 59 33
37% 33%
Tertiary 46 26
University 66 37 26%
Total 179 100
N=179 respondents

(4). Economic Status

Percentage
Education Status of Respondents
of
Status Frequency Respondents
Employed Employed
(Public/private) 107 60 (Public/private)
24%
Unemployed 29 16 Unemployed
Business/Self- 16% 60%
employed 43 24 Business/Self-
employed
Total 179 100
N=179 respondents
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?

% of
Options Frequency Respondents Fig. QC1: How would you assess the
The rate is on rate of child abuse in Nigeria?
the increase 105 59 70 59%

% of respondents
The rate has 60
drastically 50
40 34%
reduced 61 34 30
Don’t know 13 7 20 7%
10
Total 179 100 0
The rate is on The rate has Don’t know
the increase drastically
reduced
Options

Presentation: The chart above shows that 59% of the respondents believe that the rate of child abuse
in Nigeria is on the increase, while 34% thinks that the rate is on the decrease and seven percent
didn’t know whether it is on the increase or decrease.

QC2: The increasing wave of Child Abuse in Nigeria has been adduced to the high level of
poverty and economic deprivation in the country……,

QC2
Whether high level of poverty and economic
Percentage
deprivation is responsible for the high rate of
of
child abuse in Nigeria
Options Frequency Respondents I strongly agree
I strongly agree 88 49 7%
I agree 36 21 I agree
17%
Neutral 10 6 6% 49% Neutral
I disagree 32 17 21%
I strongly I disagree
disagree 12 7
I strongly
Total 178 100 disagree
N=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?

Assessing the performance of Human Rights institutions in addressing

child abuse
35 33%
30
% of respondents

25 23%
21%
20
15 13%
10%
10
5
0
Very
Very Unsatisfactor
Satisfactory Neutral Unsatisfactor
satisfactory y
y
Series1 10 21 13 23 33

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 Fig. QC4: Is punitive laws and effective

Percentage judicial system an antidote to child abuse?
of
Options Frequency Respondents
Yes, I agree 88 49 14%
No, I Yes, I agree
disagree 65 37 49% No, I disagree
I Don’t
37% I Don’t know
know 25 14
Total 178 100
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:
Percentage Is Nigerian government doing enough to
tackle child abusers?
of
Options Frequency Respondents
Yes 61 34
13%
No 95 53 Yes
34%
Don’t know 22 13
No
Total 178 100
Don’t know
53%

QC6: Do you think that the influence of religion and culture is contributing to child abuse in
Nigeria?

Fig. QC 6: Does religious and cultural influence contribute to child abuse

in Nigeria?

60% 43%
% respondents

40% 29% 28%

20%

0%
Yes No Don’t know
Options
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?

Fig. QC7.: How effective is the Child Rights Act of 2006 in

protecting Nigerian child against abuse?

10%
16% Very effective
44%
Effective
9%
Neutral

21% Ineffective
Very ineffective

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 2171.56 36.4
Total 179 179 71.03
N=179 respondents

Chi-Square Analysis
X2value = 71.03; Degree of freedom = 3 - 1 = 2
X2at 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 35.6 52.4 2745.76 77.1
I agree 36 35.6 0.4 0.16 0.004
Neutral 10 35.6 -25.6 655.36 18.4
I disagree 32 35.6 -3.6 12.96 0.36
I strongly disagree 12 35.6 -23.6 556.96 15.6
Total 178 178 111.46
N=178 respondents
Chi-Square Analysis
X2value = 111.46; Degree of freedom = 5 - 1 = 4
X2at 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 76 16.4 268.96 4.51
59.6
No 52 -7.6 57.76 0.97
59.6
Don’t know 51 -8.6 73.96 1.24
59.6
Total 179 179.0 6.72

N=178 respondents

Chi-Square Analysis
X2 value = 6.72; Degree of freedom = 3 - 1 = 2
X2 at 2 d.f and α @ .95 = 5.991
Decision: 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 is intended 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 increase

B. The rate has drastically reduced
C. Don’t know

QC2: The increasing wave of Child Abuse in Nigeria has been adduced to the high level of
poverty and economic deprivation in the country……,

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