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 Abeokuta metropolis 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

INTRODUCTION

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 Abeokuta metropolis and it

lends itself to assessing the causes, types and effect of child abuse in Nigeria.

The study covered 200 adults in ABEOKUTA METROPOLIS and questionnaires were distributed to

the following stakeholders or respondents:

6. Market women (traders)
1. Civil servants 7. Teachers
8. Civil Societies/NGOs/Childcare
2. The Nigeria Police Force
Institutions
3. Nigeria Immigration service
9. General Public
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 Abeokuta metropolis.

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
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

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 Abeokuta metropolis 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 Abeokuta metropolis. 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 Abeokuta metropolis. 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
No. of of Age chart of Respondents
Age respondent Respondent 35% 33%
Group s s
18 – 25 19 11 30%
26 – 35 48 27 27%
25%
36 – 45 59 33
% of respondents

46 – 55 31 17 20%
17%
56+ 22 12
15%
Total 179 100 11% 12%
N=179 respondents 10%

5%

0%
18 – 25 26 – 35 36 – 45 46 – 55 56+
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
37% 4%
Secondary 59 33 33%
Tertiary 46 26
University 66 37
Total 179 100 26%
N=179 respondents

(4). Economic Status

Percentage Education Status of Respondents
of
Frequenc Respondent
Status y s 24% Employed
(Public/private)
Employed Unemployed
(Public/private) 107 60 Business/Self-
Unemployed 29 16 60% employed
16%
Business/Self-
employed 43 24
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%
The rate has 60
50

% of respondents
drastically 34%
40
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
Frequenc Respondent
Options y s 7%
I strongly agree
I strongly agree 88 49 17% I agree
I agree 36 21 49%
Neutral 10 6 6% Neutral

I disagree 32 17 21% I disagree

I strongly
I strongly disagree
disagree 12 7
 Total 178 100
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 satisfactory Satisfactory Neutral Unsatisfactory Very Unsatisfactory

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

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

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?
43%
50%
% respondents

40% 29% 28%

30%
20%
10%
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
Neutral
Ineffective
Very ineffective
9%
21%

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 Abeokuta metropolis 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
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Aluko, J.A (1996). Child Abuse, Neglect and Prevention. A paper presented at African Network for
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 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

………………………………….

Faculty of 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