EFFECTS OF CONJUGAL AGGRESSION AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN A STUDY OF VANDEIKYA LOCALGOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE

ABSTRACT The work entitled “Effects of Conjugal Aggression against Women and Children (a study of Vandeikya Local Government Area” seeks to shed light on issue of marital conflicts that affects mostly women and children and by extension the society at large. The study revealed that this phenomenon is rampant in the state and Vandeikya in particular due the nature, customs and type of people inhabiting the area. The study made use of primary and secondary data sources. The study seeks as main objective, to determine the causes as to why women face in this situation and proffer possible solutions to mitigate it. The study made use of the conflict theory to shed light. Its findings are that there are various factors which account for the phenomenon such as culture and traditions of the Tiv people where the man is the head and decision maker of the house, gender equality as preached by modern societies, ethnic influences and stubbornness amongst women and believe that women are naturally or biologically inferior to men. The study recommends as follows: that the Ministry of Women Affairs, Culture and National Council of Traditional Rulers in conjunction with National Orientation Agency initiate a cultural reform bill which will repair our Customary Laws that regards women as property of men instead of partners in progress. Socializing agents such as churches, schools, parents etc. should make known to the people that marriage is an egalitarian relationship. The concept that man is the head of household and the sole bread winner for the family must be understood in a proper context. Also, the Federal, State and Local government should initiate programmes to alleviate poverty, concrete policies be made and well executed to reach the target of poor population and reduce unemployment rate. It is also recommended that organized private sector should create avenues to enlighten people on ways to be self dependent and employed to reduce their hardship. Government should make adequate provision of housing, medical care, open up education opportunities to raise the standard of living. It is also recommended that women should refuse their husband sex when demanded. Couples should express their sexual abilities without fear. It is also recommended that sex education should be introduced in the school curriculum in order to intimate people on the importance and dynamics of sex.