The challenges of health care support for survivors of abuse by an intimate partner; scrutiny of law and policy in Nigeria

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a behavioral pattern a person exhibits to cause bodily, coital, emotional, or psychological harm on another partner in an intimate relationship. Intimate partners can be spouses, cohabiting partners, dating partners, or former spouses or partners. IPV can have a devastating impact on survivors, both physically and emotionally. It can cause physical injuries, chronic pain, and long-term health problems. This makes IPV survivors visit the health care facilities more than non survivors of IPV. IPV is a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with substantial impact for survivors' physical and mental well-being. Healthcare experts occupy a delicate position in spotting, supporting, and redirecting IPV survivors in obtaining appropriate services. However, several challenges like absence of specific legal framework among others hinder effective healthcare support for IPV survivors in Nigeria. of IPV. This paper seeks to explore the existing relevant laws in Nigeria and its adequacy in the place of medical and health support in Nigeria. The modus operandi adopted here to achieve the objective of this paper is to utilize qualitative research methodology to review existing laws better described as the legal framework over the health care infrastructure and IPV in Nigeria. The paper recommends a specific legislative structure in the form of a law regarding medical care and support of IPV survivors in Nigeria among others.