GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND THE CULTURE OF IMPUNITY IN NIGERIA: ANALYSIS OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN.

Abstract

Emergencies escalate crime and insecurity for vulnerable groups like women, whose safety and security were severely threatened by increased cases of gender-based violence during the COVID-19 lockdown. Studies explained the heightened incidence of GBV during lockdown as the effect of economic hardship and the proximity of victims to violators. This paper explored GBV from the standpoint of the culture of impunity, to examine the nexus between them and explain how GBV is normalised in social relationships, giving impetus to impunity. Routine activity and multi-sided violence theories were adopted as the theoretical framework. Secondary data from journal articles and media reports were sourced and analysed descriptively. The study revealed that GBV experienced during lockdown stemmed from the culture of impunity that derived from patriarchal orientation. It raises concern about the persistence of GBV despite existing laws against it. It recommends cultural reorientation of gender roles and patriarchal expectations, among others.   Keywords: Violence, Lockdown, COVID-19, Gender, Security