Gender-Based Violence and Its Effect on Mental Health

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an age-long universal problem that affects individuals’ mental health regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or faith. However, the female gender is the most affected by this ailment due to the societal power structure that favours the male gender. Women and girls experience at home and in public arenas varied forms of GBV that cause them physical, psychological, sexual, and economic harm. Consequentially, their mental health becomes impaired. This study explores how Islamic principles can be a panacea to GBV and its associated mental health effects by examining the Nigerian Hausa, Nupe and Yoruba ethnic groups which have a reasonable percentage of Muslims. Taking into consideration the causes of GBV and its consequences, the study emphasizes the necessity for religious guidance to avert all forms of abuse and maintain mental serenity.