Overview

The Ebonyi State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2018 (Law No. 002 of 2018) is a comprehensive legal framework enacted by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to prohibit all forms of violence in both private and public life. The law aims to eliminate violence against persons, provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims, and punish offenders. It is deemed to have commenced on January 23, 2018. The law is structured into five parts covering offences, jurisdiction of courts, service providers, regulatory body, and consequential amendments. Key offences defined include rape, physical injury, coercion, female circumcision/genital mutilation, spousal battery, harmful traditional practices, political violence, and violence by state actors. The law establishes monitoring committees, protection orders, and protection officers. It also criminalizes emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, stalking, intimidation, and deprivation of liberty. The law provides for the rights of victims, including access to shelters, medical care, and legal assistance. It establishes a regulatory body to oversee implementation and includes provisions for registration of service providers. The law also addresses abandonment of family members, harmful widowhood practices, and economic abuse. Sentences and penalties are specified for various offences, with some offences being non-bailable. The law applies to both public and private spaces and covers all persons within Ebonyi State. Schedules provide forms for protection orders and list of dangerous sexual offenders. The law repeals or amends existing inconsistent legislation to ensure comprehensive protection against violence.

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