Problem Management Plus Mindfulness-informed Legal Education for Addressing Gender-based Violence and Improving Parenting

Problem Management Plus Mindfulness-informed LegalEducation (PM+MiLE) for Addressing Gender-based Violence and Improving Parenting in Nigeria: a Randomised Control Trial

Gender-based violence and, more specifically, domestic violence is a prevalent problem globally and in Nigeria. Its effect significantly impacts women and also the wellbeing of their families. Limited access to support has posed a constraint in effectively addressing the issues suffered by affected victims in Nigeria. In addition, gender-based violence could affect parenting due to factors such as anxiety, trauma, depression, poor social support, limited awareness of legal channels for complaint and harsh parenting to children. The implication is that it could not only have a negative impact on the affected victim but also on their parenting styles or caring responsibilities, which could be detrimental to the child development, wellbeing and the potential subsequent resort to criminal behaviours. In essence, the current study aims to test the feasibility and acceptability of a novel cross disciplinary intervention titled, Problem Management plus Mindfulness-informed Legal Education (PM+MiLE) for addressing gender-based violence and improving parenting in Nigeria in comparison to the waitlist control group for the purposes of improving social cohesion, legal awareness, wellbeing and reducing depression, including trauma and anxiety as a result of experiencing gender-based violence, in Nigeria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years and above
• Female with child(ren) or with caring responsibilities for child(ren).
• Able to provide full consent for their participation.
• A resident of the study areas (Delta, Jos, Lagos State, etc.)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Less than 18 years
• Unable to consent
• Currently undergoing severe mental healthtreatment
• Unable to speak the English language fl uently