Abstract
Gender based Violence is a dire socio-economic scourge, especially in developing societies.
Due to the culture of silence and other factors, the recorded statistics within these nations
are less than the actual prevalence. This study adopts the mixed research method to
interrogate the effectiveness of subnational government initiatives in prevention and
response to gender-based violence (GBV) in Enugu State, Nigeria. The findings are based on
133 certified copies of returned questionnaires, while the interviews were conducted until
saturation. The study found, among others, that gender based violence is prevalent in
Enugu state. In terms of sub-national government initiatives, the study revealed that
underfunding and a shortage of staff undermined the efforts of the Legal Aid Council and
the state ministry of justice towards addressing GBV cases. The data revealed that the state
partners with NGO's such as Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative
(WRAPA), etc. However, it fails to cover the needs of physically challenged persons;
similarly, most rural residents do not access state-based services against GBV. The state
requires a dedicated budget line for GBV prevention that will enable it to establish more
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and shelters across the state, especially within the
rural areas. There is also a need to train law enforcement agencies and health workers,
engage traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders towards formulating a
comprehensive policy and implementing collaborative efforts in combating the dire
challenges of GBV.