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Tag: domestic violence

  • Commissioner: every resident must report sexual, domestic violence

    it is every resident’s duty to report sexual or domestic violence, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Adeniji Kazeem (SAN) has said.

    He said tackling domestic violence could only succeed when cases were quickly reported by witnesses or victims.

    Kazeem urged every Lagos residents to join hands with the government in saving lives.

    He spoke at a ‘Commendation evening’ and premiere of a movie, Surviving, to commemorate the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

    He was represented by the Solicitor-General, Mrs Funlola Odunlami.

    He said: “It is apparent that to make great progress in this journey, we must all join hands to fight this menace.

    “With the involvement of every member of the home and in turn every member of the society, we will attain new heights in the war of sexual and gender based violence.

    “This has inspired the theme for the Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month 2018, which is: Securing the home against violence – everyone’s responsibility.

    Kazeem stressed the need for enlighten of every individual on their role in curbing this menace.

    He said the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT)  would not relent in its bid to tackle the problem.

    “Through walks, seminars, projects and initiatives, DSVRT aims to equip every member of the society with the requisite knowledge and tact to adequately respond to incidents of domestic and sexual violence, as everyone is a mandated reporter,”he stressed.

    Kazeem said Surviving was produced to help drive the message home.

    “It is my earnest desire that through this, survivors will become aware that help is near; witnesses will be encouraged to speak out and save a life and perpetrators will be deterred,” he said.

    He said the movie examines domestic violence, and addresses the misconceptions that lead to silence by victims.

    Kazeem said the commendation evening was to provide opportunity to honour and celebrate individuals, professionals, agencies and organisations that have exhibited stellar commitment in the fight against sexual and gender based violence in the state.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr Edgal Imoihimi said his men would would continue to support the state in the fight sexual and domestic violence.

    Represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mrs Yetunde Longe, the CP said reporting domestic violence was part of community policing.

    He described DSVRT as one of those organisations that is passionate about fighting and ending the menace.

    Imohimi said the command has set up 10 offices for reporting incidents of domestic and sexual violence.

    He said the command would respond promptly to all incidents reported.

    “Community Policing is more of partnership with the community. If you see something, say something,” he said.

    Awards were given to those who have contibuted to efforts to deal with domestic violence in the state.

    Pastor Jegede Busola was honoured as the Most Effective Mandated Reporter.

    Project Alert won the Most Efficient Non-Govermental Organisation (NGO) award.

    MTN and Airtel got the Most Supportive Corporate Organisation awards.

    Ogudu Primary Healthcare Centre was the Most Effective Healthcare Facility.

    Chief K. N. Ndukwu & Co. was the Most Effective Pro-Bono counsel.

    Alimosho Family Social  Service was the Most Committed Family Social Service.

    Ketu Family Support Unit was the Most Effective and Responsive Family Support Unit of the Lagos State Police Command .

    Dr Babajide Martins bagged DSVRT’s Special Recognition Award.

  • Domestic violence: Police urge women to speak up

    The Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, Mr Shina Olukolu, on Friday advised women in the state to always report cases of domestic violence.

    Olukolu who gave this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe said domestic violence was poorly reported in Gombe, and that there was need for women to speak up.

    He said the statistics on domestic violence in the state had been very low in the past three years, noting that most women were afraid of reporting it to save their marriages amongst other reasons.

    According to him, the police are now better trained and abreast of the current ways of handling domestic violence to ensure that lives are protected and needed counselling given by personnel of the command.

    “Domestic violence is as old as the human race, so gaining global attention is expected. However, in Gombe the case has not been given prominence in view of the available statistics.

    “The statistics have almost remained same for the past three years. In 2015, 21 cases were handled by the police, in 2016, 20 and in 2017, 20 cases. So the statistics is insignificant.

    “The statistics we have is due to poor reportage of such cases. Most women are afraid to report and then lose their marriages amongst other reasons. So they tend to bottle up issues like these.

    “There is need for the women to speak up, seek help and advice by reporting to the security agencies so as to prevent subsequent victimisation which may lead to death,” he said.

    The police commissioner emphasised that the command was committed to resolving issues and not breaking homes as feared by most victims.

    Read Also: Police arrest 23 suspected kidnappers in Nasarawa

    “I want to inform the public that our gender-based unit has been given series of training within and outside the state to handle issues of domestic violence so as to protect lives.

    “Our personnel are now well exposed to the mechanism and understanding of the nature of reactions by women to issues that result to marital conflicts and how to resolve these issues.

    “All cases we have received so far were minor and the police have handled them through counselling and legal means. Most of those victimised women are living peacefully in their homes with the protection they deserved.

    “Such issues must be reported so as to call the offenders to order at an early stage in view of the danger of such violence leading to the death of any of the partners,” he said.
    Olukolu appealed to all stakeholders to sensitise the public on the need to control their emotions at home, and that the implications of domestic

    violence on the children was devastating.

  • Lagos State combats domestic violence in the riverine areas

    To curb the spread of domestic violence at the grassroots, Lagos  State government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation recently embarked on a 3-Day Advocacy/Campaign against  domestic violence in rural and riverine areas  of the state, namely Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry local government areas.  The Campaign/Advocacy which was tagged: ‘Families Living Together in Harmony’ featured lectures and road shows to sensitise, educate and enlighten the public, especially women on the menace of domestic violence which has been on the increase in recent times.

    Speaking on the essence of the advocacy programme, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Dr. Mrs. Lola Akande, explained that the programme was one of the ministry’s creative approaches to fulfil the dream of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambo?e to foster peace and stability in the family as a route to socio economic progress in the entire state.

    Akande lamented that women are always at the receiving end of the consequences of domestic violence, going by their vulnerability to gender discrimination, certain cultural beliefs and relatively poor access to education and economic opportunities. “That is why we have over the years empowered several thousands of our women with skills acquisition, basic literacy and tools to start up small scale businesses,” said Akande.

    The commissioner who spoke through the Director, Public Affairs in the ministry, Mrs Olayinka Kadri, expressed concern at the current rate of violence, especially among family members which was why the ministry decided to take the bold step of raising awareness and discussing the preventive steps to be taken.

    A retired Director with Lagos State government, Mrs. Ibidun Alakija, was present to educate participants on what to do in case they are being violated and where to seek help within their neighbourhood, which is made possible by Lagos State government.

    The Director, Lagos State Citizen Rights, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi, spoke on the legal aspects of domestic violence and the relief provided by the state government for the citizens who are traumatised.

     

     

    For further sensitisation, the ministry staged a road show in the three areas to campaign against domestic violence in English, Pidgin and Yoruba.

     

  • Free clinics for survivors of domestic violence 

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Voices4Sistahs (V4S) has proposed free health clinics for the rehabilitation of domestic abuse survivors.

    The project initiator, Abiola Dejo-Richards, is a UK-based Nigerian and single mother of three.

    She said the initiative was in response to her personal travails and triumphs.

    “As a woman in her 20s and 30s, I had no clue of who I was and I struggled with being me and expressing myself as a woman.

    “I did not know who I was before I contemplated relationship so I just followed who they wanted me to be.

    “I lost a lot of myself growing up in relationships. I suffered a lot of pain, fear, hurt and rejection and they were all bottled up.

    “I had no support system I could trust. I had no mentor, no sisterly friendship I could genuinely trust.

    “I was lost with my own thoughts and just learnt from experience and mistakes,” she recalled.

    The initiative, she explained, will run clinics across the nation with a small business funding scheme that will provide financial support to the small businesses owned by the members of the platform.

    The motto for voices4sistahs is ‘scars don’t make us, speak out’.

    The UK-based nurse said institutional and societal changes are necessary to overhaul women’s right in the nation.

    ”It will be a total transformation to undo the stinking thinking when it comes to the Institution of marriage, culture, religion and domestic violence. Charity begins at home.

    “Families need to stop selling out there daughters. A child you have brought and slaved on and spent a fortune is giving to marriage and allowed to suffer just to save face and afford stigma in the family.”

  • Free clinics for survivors of domestic violence

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Voices4Sistahs (V4S) has proposed free health clinics for the rehabilitation of domestic abuse survivors.

    The project initiator, Abiola Dejo-Richards, is a UK-based single mother of three.

    She said the initiative depicts her journey of personal travails and triumphs.

    “As a woman in her 20s and 30s, I had no clue of who I was and I struggled with being me and expressing myself as a woman.

    “I did not know who I was before I contemplated relationship so I just followed who they wanted me to be.

    “I lost a lot of myself growing up in relationships. I suffered a lot of pain, fear, hurt and rejection and they were all bottled up.

    “I had no support system I could trust. I had no mentor, no sisterly friendship I could genuinely trust.

    “I was lost with my own thoughts and just learnt from experience and mistakes,” she recalled.

    The initiative, she explained, will run clinics across the nation with a small business funding scheme that will provide financial support the small businesses owned by the members of the platform.

    The motto for voices4sistahs is ‘scars don’t make us, speak out’.

    The UK-based nurse said institutional and societal changes are necessary to overhaul women’s right in the nation.

    “It will be a total transformation to undo the stinking thinking when it comes to the Institution of marriage, culture, religion and domestic violence. Charity begins at home.

    “Families need to stop selling out their daughters. A child you have brought and slaved on and spent a fortune is giving to marriage and allowed to suffer just to save face and afford stigma in the family.”

  • Speak out against domestic violence, Ambode’s wife, Adebule urge women

    LAGOS State Deputy Governor Dr Oluranti Adebule and wife of the governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode  have urged women  to speak out against domestic violence, child abuse, rape and teenage pregnancy, among other vices.

    They spoke at the Lagos Women’s Forum, which held at the Police College, Ikeja. The event was organised to address women’s health and recurring social vices in the society.

    It was supported by Power Oil, a healthy cooking oil as part of its   efforts to intensify the advocacy for a healthy living and other well-being measures, especially among women in  the society.

    Wife of the first civilian governor of the state Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the state Head of Service (HoS) Mrs. Folasade Adesoye were some of the dignitaries at the event.

    With the theme: Woman…your health, your social environment,  Mrs Ambode said sound health is one of life’s greatest blessings, hence the need to encourage and educate women to live in good health for longer life and optimal performance in all aspects of life.

    She said: “Good health is the gateway to everything. To have good health, we need to take care of our body, mind and soul. It is when we have good health that we can run around for business and engage in other activities.”

    While also condemning the spate of social vices in the state, Mrs Ambode urged women to voice out their discontent with domestic violence, child abuse, rape and teenage pregnancy.

    She said: “Importantly, too, we would be examining the rights of women under the law in the face of persistent social problems. When we know our rights, we can speak better and act better to protect ourselves if and when those circumstances arise.”

    She reminded women of their role as mothers and co-ordinators of the family unit, which, according to her, imposed on them the responsibility of bringing up their children in the most decent way for a decent and moral society.

    According to her, good health is a prerequisite for every other thing, including good attention to children and family, business and political activities.

    “It is when we have good health that we can run around for business, take care of our homes, our children or engage in political activities. When we have sound health, we can better attend to all issues and concerns,” she said.

    Mrs Adebule said the forum provided a platform for women to say “enough” to challenges they were facing. “We should no longer be stereotyped into silence, but become vocal advocates for an improved health delivery system and social justice for women in Lagos State and the country,” she said.

    Mrs Adebule said it was unfortunate that 23 years after the Beijing Declaration, women were still facing many health and social problems.

    She urged women to embrace sustainable advocacy and take conscious action of their health and how they are treated by the society at large.

    “We should no longer be stereotyped into silence, but become vocal advocates for improved health delivery system and social justice for women in the state and the country.

    “As critical stakeholders, our role must be focused on investing and increasing access of more girls and women to good health, quality education; ensuring that laws that respect and ensure the rights of women are enforced and help create gender-posture media messages that support women and girls in distress,” she said.

    Power Oil Public Relations Manager, Omotayo Azeez-Abiodun, said the firm was delighted to align with such a laudable health awareness and well-being programme, particularly  women in the society.

    The programme, she said, shared similar values with what the brand stands for  Healthy Living and general well being.

    According to her, because of the multi-functional nature of women, they equally deserve healthy state  to carry out their duties efficiently. “This one of the reasons it is recommended that they take advantage of the free health check up and medical consultation opportunity, which Power Oil health camp offers, Omotayo stated.

    A Director from the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Modupeola Adebambo,  said sexually- abused children have the tendency to be sexually active and be exposed to teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and alcohol addiction, among others.

    She appealed to parents not to abuse their children, urging them to teach them sexual education because of the danger inherent in sexual abuse.

    Office of Public Defender (OPD) Director Olayinka Adeyemi, also urged women to speak out against domestic violence and report such cases to the OPD for legal action.

     

  • Speak out against domestic violence, Ambode’s wife, Adebule urge women

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Oluranti Adebule and wife of the governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode yesterday urged women to speak out against domestic violence, child abuse, rape and teenage pregnancy, among other vices.

    They spoke at the Lagos Women’s Forum held at the Police College, Ikeja.

    The event was organised to address women’s health and recurring social vices in the society.

    Adebule said it was unfortunate that 23 years after the Beijing Declaration, women were still facing many health-cum-social problems.

    She urged women to embrace sustainable advocacy and take conscious action on matters concerning their health and how they were treated by the society at large.

    “We should no longer be stereotyped into silence but become vocal advocates for improved health delivery system and social justice for women in the state and the country.

    “As critical stakeholders, our role must be focused on investing and increasing access of more girls and women to good health, quality education; ensuring that laws that respect and ensure the rights of women are enforced and help create gender-posture media messages that support women and girls in distress,” she said.

    Mrs Ambode urged women to speak out against domestic violence, child abuse, rape and teenage pregnancy.

    She said: “Importantly too, we would be examining the rights of women under the law, in the face of persistent social problems. When we know our rights, we can speak better and act better, to protect ourselves if and when those circumstances arise.”

    She reminded women of their role as mothers and coordinators of the family unit, which according to her, imposed on them the responsibility of bringing up their children in the most decent way for a decent and moral society.

    According to the governor’s wife, good health was a prerequisite for every other thing, including good attention to children and family, business and even political activities.

    “It is when we have good health that we can run around for business, take care of our homes, our children or engage in political activities. When we have sound health, we can better attend to all issues and concerns,” she said.

    Mrs Modupeola Adebambo, a director from the Ministry of Youth and Social Development said sexually abused children tended to be sexually active and exposed to teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and alcoholic addiction, among others.

    She appealed to parents not to abuse their children, urging them to teach their kids sexual education because of the danger inherent in sexual abuse.

    Director, Office of Public Defender (OPD) Olayinka Adeyemi, urged women to speak out against domestic violence and report such cases to the OPD for legal action.

  • Scourge of domestic violence

    Sir: Globally, domestic violence has become a worrying blight.  According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, nearly 2.5 million cases of sexual violence were reported globally in 2014, with many countries reporting more than 100 instances of rape or sexual assault per 100,000 people.

    In Nigeria it is a problem as in many parts of Africa. In Nigeria, especially, there is a deep cultural belief that it is socially acceptable for a woman to be ‘disciplined’ by a man.  According to Amnesty International, a third of women in Nigeria have been subjected to physical, sexual and psychological violence through husbands, partners and fathers.

    In Nigeria, many victims of domestic violence usually lack the courage to seek legal redress on the violations of their rights due to lack of positive response from the society. Domestic violence is so entrenched in our society that even the victims condone such violations of their rights as some perceive it as sign of love and the socio-religious belief that a broken marriage or relationship is a mark of failure in life. Due to poverty and economic dependence on men, many female victims may also choose to suffer in silence for fear of losing the economic support of the male perpetrator. This trend is evident in several of the reported cases where victims prefer to withdraw their complaints where it becomes apparent that punitive measures will be meted out to the abusive spouse. Their usual objective is for the authorities to appease rather punish the abusive partner for fear of backlash.

    Where the victim is courageous enough to seek legal redress, the legal system is more adversarial than reconciliatory.  The outcome of most judicial proceedings is usually the termination or straining of the relationship of the litigants, and this is true of a domestic violence victim who takes the perpetrator to the police station or the court for redress under the present law. The police also operate from the prejudices and stereotypes of the male dominated customs and traditions of the society. Many victims of domestic violence, who lay complaints at police stations,  are usually taunted, humiliated, and their complaints  trivialized, probably because the complaints desk officer often engage in wife battery himself.

    There is, therefore, need for a spirited public enlightenment campaign on the evil of domestic violence. The populace must be sensitized on what constitutes domestic violence, stipulated punishments for perpetrators and other such related issues. It is also essential that a special complaints desk is made available in all police stations to address all issues relating to violence against women. This, of course, leads to the issue of training for special officers who are to handle the beat. It is also necessary to organize constant training for legal officials, law enforcement agents, legal practitioners and others who are critical stakeholders in the matter. Similarly, law enforcement and court mechanisms also have to be made friendly and accessible to women.

     

    • Blessing Vandefan,

    Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja. 

     

  • Women artists kick against domestic violence

    Women artists kick against domestic violence

    The Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) is championing the fight against domestic violence with two exhibitions in Abuja, tagged: Orange the World – Leave No One Behind, End Violence against Women and Girls and Unlocked, Discovering Art Spaces. The exhibitions featured 31 women from across the country, reports EVELYN OSAGIE.

    From the subtle use of  orange, blue, red to cool cream and light brown, the beauty of women shone in the works of 31 female artists from across the country in the Orange the World – Leave No One Behind End Violence against Women and Girls and Unlocked, Discovering Art Spaces – two exhibition by Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) in the Federal Capital Territory.

    To serve as reminder, the group held its exhibitions cum artistic campaign against domestic violence in two venues in collaboration with international partners.

    With the excellent blend of earth colours – burnt sienna, yellow ocher and burnt amber, each work depicted diverse plights and circumstance that women are faced with – both good and bad – touching on their agony, joy, optimism, dilemma and achievements in everyday life.

    The two events were supported by the UN Women. While the German Embassy hosted he Orange the World – Leave No One Behind, End Violence against Women and Girls at the German Ambassador’s Residence, the United States Embassy hosted the Unlocked, Discovering Art Spaces one at the Cafe De Vie. Both exhibitions featured more than 60 works.

    For the US Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Start Symington, one of the great injustices of our time is the gap between women’s inherent value and how many of them are treated daily.

    According to him, women’s empowerment is critical to building stable, democratic societies and furthering international peace.

    He said: “Gender-based violence undermines not only the safety, dignity, and human rights of the millions of individuals who experience it, but also the security, economic stability, and public health of nations. We recommit ourselves to closing the gap every day and especially during the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”.

    “The U.S. Embassy is proud to support the Female Artists Association of Nigeria through their exhibition: Orange the World – Leave No One Behind End Violence against Women and Girls. The works of the artists creatively demand our attention and increase our awareness of gender-based violence in our communities and in our world.

    On his part, the Ambassador of the Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Mr Bernhard Schiagheck, said to reach the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and to secure a prosperous and peaceful future, “it is of utmost importance that women and girls be strengthened all over the world”.

    “The artists of this exhibition have made a wonderful cultural contribution to this goal: giving women and girls a voice to tell their own stories. On this year’s UN Human Rights Day, we are, particularly, proud to host such a wonderful exhibition and to support the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) in their important work of promoting female artists.

    “It is with great pleasure that the German Embassy in Abuja is able ton support the exhibition of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) on such an important topic as combating gender-based violence and the exploration of women and girls,” he said.

    FEAAN has held several visual art exhibitions with varying themes, many of which have drawn the attention of the viewing public to the plight of Nigerian women, but it was the first time it will be holding two exhibitions concurrently to mark the UN-recognised International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

    According to FEAAN President, Lady Ngozi Rosemary Akande, the world is witnessing a surge in daily violence and conflicts and women suffer all sorts of humiliation both physiologically and emotionally, more common is domestic violence. With the global call spearheaded to end violence against women and girls by UN, she called on more artists and other creatives to join in the fight through their art, while commending its sponsors for their support.

    She said: “It is common knowledge that women in our society are vulnerable to certain violent trends, including rape, forced marriage and domestic battery. FEAAN is, therefore, adding its voice to the global fight against violence against women through the Orange the World – Leave No One Behind End Violence against Women and Girls and Unlocked, Discovering Art Spaces held at two different venues and at different days. Those who missed the first had the opportunity of seeing it again in another space within the city.

    “Both exhibitions were meant to draw attention to the rising case of violence against women in our society through our paintings, sculptures, textiles and mixed pieces. We will not stop narrating the story of the Nigerian woman and hope that little by little, our efforts will make a difference and cause an improvement in her condition, for the betterment of the entire society,” she said.

    Similarly, with a mind of bring women issues to the front burner, FEAAN will be holding another exhibition in Lagos, tagged: Press For Progress Women Move On, to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

    The event, according to Akande, will open tomorrow, at Nike Art Gallery, Lagos. It will feature over 20 women artists and over 50 works. She added: “We will continue to spread the message across the nation and the world that violence against women must no longer be tolerated. We will continue to appeal to the Federal Government and well- meaning art lovers and patrons, for support to empower women through the arts and to enable us build a befitting secretariat in Abuja for the association. And for the first time, we will be giving gifts to members on most creative evening gown, most creative hairdo, best painting, best mixed media work, best sculpture, best ceramics, best textile and best installation. ‘’

  •  Delta to establish rape and domestic violence referral centre

     Delta to establish rape and domestic violence referral centre

    The Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor has said victims of rape and domestic violence of speedy justice.

    He assured that the Violence against Persons Bill before the State House of Assembly would further protect the rights of women and children against abuse and violence.

    Mrakpor made this known yesterday during a courtesy visit by the International Federation of Women Lawyers in Asaba-the Delta State Capital.

    Peter Mrakpor while expressing joy on the impactful presence of FIDA in the State in championing the rights of women and children pledged the administration’s commitment to their cause.

    He said the Ministry of Justice would to grant a fiat to members of FIDA to enable them prosecute offenders.

    Mrakpor informed the female lawyer’s efforts to establish a Rape and Domestic Violence Referral Centre in the State, including a Rehabilitation Centre for victims, and charged them to intensify their public enlightenment campaign efforts in order to create adequate awareness.

     While lamenting that women and children are the most vulnerable in society, the Attorney-General promised to mobilize staff of the Ministry and other top government functionaries to be part of FIDA road walk to create awareness on rape, cultism, drug abuse and all forms of harmful practices and discrimination against women.

    Earlier, the chairperson of Delta FIDA, Mrs. Lauretta Omezi stated that the organization which is non-governmental and non-profit organization has affiliate organization in 73 countries across the globe.

    Mrs. Omezi who solicited for partnership with the Ministry towards the attainment of its selfless services, including a request for the establishment of an Office in the Ministry of Justice for the handling of all FIDA related cases, disclosed that FIDA is a dynamic organization whose membership cut across all strata of society including the bench, academia and the business world.