Overview

The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 is a Nigerian federal law that criminalizes various forms of violence, including rape, physical injury, coercion, and threat of harm. It defines rape with a broad scope, covering penetration of vagina, anus, or mouth without consent, with consent obtained by force, threat, fraud, or intoxication. Penalties for rape include life imprisonment, with minimum terms of 12 years, 14 years for offenders under 14, and 20 years for group rape. The Act also punishes inflicting physical injury (up to 5 years imprisonment or fine), attempts (3 years), and being an accessory (3 years). Coercion leading to physical or psychological harm carries a 3-year sentence. Threatening physical injury is punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment or fine. The law mandates a public register of convicted sexual offenders and allows courts to award compensation to victims. It applies to private and public life, aiming to eliminate violence and provide remedies. The Act was enacted by the National Assembly of Nigeria.

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