How To Curb Domestic Violence In Nigeria

Domestic violence seems to be on the rise, especially in developing countries. Research has shown that the majority of the people who suffer domestic violence are women and children.

The Covid 19 pandemic gave a very strong eye-opener on the realities of domestic violence in major Nigerian cities and the most recent death of gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu has once again raised more dust on the issue. So here are ways on how to curb domestic violence in Nigeria;
Breaking Societal Bias
It is no news that we live in a patriarchal society which a lot of women are trying their best to change. Society would say women should submit to their husbands because he is the head of the house while forgetting to tell the men to equally submit to their wives because they are partners in the relationship. Most of the laws in society favor men, and this is something that has eaten into people’s culture and background. Today, out of a 100 domestic violence cases, 90% are done by men on women. There is the need to break societal biases that uproot that mentality that a ‘woman is second to a man’. That mentality needs to be let go of, and people need to relearn that men and women are equal in their various fields. The funny thing is these societal biases targeted towards women are not laws written down somewhere, but they are stereotypical laws ingrained into the mentality of children by word of mouth, and sometimes religious influences which become a problem in the future. While taboos certainly hinder women from discussing and reporting abuse, the existing social structures in Nigeria prevent women’s stories from being heard. One such social structure is the disparate status between men and women, as men have higher status in Nigerian society.
READ ALSO: Osinachi Husband’s Family Break Silence Over Singer’s Death
Female Empowerment
Women need to be empowered not just physically but mentally because it seems the men get all the empowerment they need right from small. With an increased sense of status, Nigerian women will no longer be bound to expected roles of acquiescence. Given a voice, women will be able to challenge the established differences in status between men and women. Female empowerment can be increased through the expansion of education opportunities for women. NGOs could work with the Nigerian ministry to increase female enrollment. Additionally, women’s empowerment organizations such as the Nike Foundation’s Girl Effect can work with schools to create mentorship programs to teach secondary school girls about various industries. Increased opportunities in education will enable women to attain higher positions in the workforce.
READ ALSO: Ekwueme Singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu Died Of Domestic Violence, Not Throat Cancer – Friends Reveal
Domestic Violence Campaigns
Campaigns that spread the gospel of saying ‘NO’ to domestic violence should be carried out. This gives courage to those who can’t speak out, and also pass down the message that nobody is made to be abused.

Creation Of Governmental Bodies/ NGO
Bodies like Cleen Foundation, ACTS, Crime Victims Foundation Nigeria (CRIVIFON), BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights, Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), and others should be given more platforms to spread the gospel of ‘NO’ to domestic violence and abuse of whatever form on any gender.
Vapp Act
The VAPP law which is designed to tackle all forms of violence against persons in private and public life, and provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders, should be preached to people. Not everyone is aware of this act. Various platforms, from social media to celebrity platforms should help spread this gospel.
The Role Of Celebrities
Nigerian celebrities on their own side can put a stop to the portrayal of abuse and violence of whatever sort on their platforms. Considering the fact that they have a very huge following when they portray violence as being right, then a wrong message is passed to the fans who follow them. Nigerian celebrities can start from the lyrics of their songs, their acts in movies, etc.Trending video of the day;

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