Gender-based crimes against women in Katsina State, Nigeria: Patterns, determinants, and institutional responses

The main problem in this study is the increasing incidence of gender-based crimes against women in Katsina State, Nigeria. The research highlights recurring patterns of violence, examines the social, cultural, and economic causes, and assesses the effectiveness of institutional and community responses in preventing and addressing such crimes. This study aims to identify patterns of gender-based crimes against women in Katsina State, analyze the underlying causes, and evaluate the effectiveness of responses and interventions by institutions and the community. This study employed a qualitative design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore participants’ lived experiences. Guided by Intersectional and Feminist Theories, data were collected through in-depth interviews with survivors and key informants from the Katsina State GBV Center. This study shows that gender-based violence in Katsina is influenced by the interaction of social, economic, and cultural factors, including low education, poverty, patriarchal norms, and family neglect. Although GBV centers provide comprehensive services, their effectiveness depends on coordination between the legal, medical, and social systems. The findings emphasize the importance of a holistic approach, including education, economic empowerment, legal protection, and social support, to reduce the vulnerability of women and girls to GBV. The findings emphasize the need for interventions that integrate education, economic empowerment, legal protection, and social support, as well as inter-agency coordination to prevent gender-based violence and reduce the vulnerability of women and girls.