Reducing Gender-Based Violence in Cross River State: Strengthening Community-Led Action

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally. The effects of GBV go beyond individual suffering; it disrupts families, weakens social structures, and impedes overall development. While awareness efforts have increased in recent years, a significant gap remains between knowledge and action. Many survivors still struggle to access justice, cultural barriers continue to hinder reporting, and policies, though enacted, are often poorly implemented. To truly reduce GBV, we must transition from awareness to tangible, community-driven solutions. This means embedding response mechanisms into community structures, strengthening legal frameworks, and ensuring survivors receive the support they need. GADA is focused on achieving these goals through an integrated, multi-sectoral approach.

Fig. 1. Community Sensitization (2024).

According to the National Demographic and Health Survey, nearly 30% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence. However, these numbers barely scratch the surface, as many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, and a lack of trust in existing systems. In Cross River State, GBV manifests in various forms, including intimate partner violence, child marriage, sexual harassment in schools and workplaces, and economic abuse. Despite policies like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Child Rights Law, enforcement remains a significant challenge. Survivors often face obstacles such as intimidation, lengthy judicial processes, and insufficient support services.

Fig. 2. Dissemination of the VAPP Law in Akpabuyo Local Government Area (2024).

GADA's research on GBV in Cross River State reveals a significant level of prevalence, with self-reported cases varying across different Local Government Areas. The study, conducted in 2023 found that 58.2% of respondents were aware of GBV, though initial denial was a common community response. Key findings highlighted youth-led violence, alcohol and substance abuse as major contributors to GBV. Traditional laws and weak enforcement mechanisms also contribute to the persistence of GBV. Traditional and religious leaders play a critical role in responding to GBV. The study emphasizes the need for social and behavioral change communication strategies, advocacy, and community mobilization to prevent GBV and ensure justice for survivors.

Fig. 3. Gender-Based violence knowledge level by LGA (2023).

Recognizing the challenges in addressing GBV, our approach in GADA has been to bridge the gap between policy and community action. Through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and survivor-centered interventions, we are shifting the narrative from one of helplessness to empowerment. For too long, GBV interventions have focused primarily on raising awareness, leaving communities without the tools or support needed to take action. While awareness is critical, it must be enhanced with practical solutions that allow survivors to seek justice and communities to prevent violence before it occurs. One of the ways we have addressed this gap is through Community Crisis Management Teams (CCMTs) established in 16 communities in 2024. These teams composed of trained traditional and religious leaders, youth, women and men leaders, service providers and government representatives serve as the first point of response for GBV cases. By decentralizing GBV response, we ensure that survivors do not have to navigate complex and often intimidating legal systems alone. Instead, they can seek immediate support within their own communities.

Fig. 4. Engaging a community crisis management team (CCMT) to lead the justice process. (2024). click here to read more Reducing Gender-Based Violence in Cross River State: Strengthening Community-Led Action

Key achievements through the CCMT model include training 148 local leaders to manage CCMTs, who then conducted step-down trainings reaching 506 community members to expand knowledge and build capacity at the grassroots level. Intergenerational dialogues in the 16 communities have brought together 861 elders, youth, and survivors to foster knowledge transfer and promote community cohesion. As a result, 82% of GBV cases reported through CCMTs received legal, psychosocial, or medical support. By embedding GBV response within communities, we are witnessing a shift in societal attitudes. Survivors now report cases more readily, knowing they have a trusted support system. Additionally, traditional leaders who once prioritized cultural preservation over justice are now actively advocating for survivor rights.

Another key aspect of our work is ensuring that survivors have access to justice. While national laws exist to address GBV, implementation at the local level has been inconsistent. To address this, we established a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) working with the Ministry of Justice, which has played a crucial role in shaping policy enforcement. Through the TAC’s recommendations, local GBV legal frameworks have been revised to align with national and international standards. Regional collaboration with the Wives of South-South Governors has resulted in the collective drive for policy commitments on child motherhood and abandonment. These milestones indicate our growing commitment to justice, but challenges remain. Delays in judicial processes and weak policy enforcement continue to hinder progress. Moving forward, we will focus on advocating for access to justice through the full implementation of VAPP law using the customary court system to ensure legal consistency across communities. Preventing GBV requires not only response mechanisms but also a cultural shift in how violence is perceived and addressed.

Fig. 5.  Cross-section of the TAC team (2024).

One of the most significant transformations we have witnessed is the shift from external intervention to community-led accountability. Rather than relying solely on NGOs or government agencies, communities are now taking ownership of GBV prevention and response. This shift is evident in several ways. Survivors now report cases directly to CCMTs, rather than struggling to navigate complex legal systems alone. Traditional leaders are actively intervening in cases, fostering a zero-tolerance culture toward GBV. As we move forward, our commitment remains clear: expand CCMTs into more communities, reaching more survivors and strengthening community-driven GBV response mechanisms. Advocate for access to justice through the customary court system across communities.

Fig. 6. Traditional leaders participating in a GBV activity in their community (2023).

The road ahead is one of continued action and transformation. By strengthening grassroots movements, advocating for policy enforcement, and fostering a culture of zero tolerance, we are working toward a Cross River State where every individual can live free from violence.