Benin City: Another milestone has been recorded in the fight against domestic violence, as a book titled “Surviving Domestic Violence in Relation to Laws on Protection in Nigeria” was launched penultimate weekend in Benin City.
Speaking, the author of the book – Mrs Louisa Eikhomun-Agbonkhese said apart from laws relating to domestic violence, the book is also a collection of her experiences as a victim of intimate partner abuse.
Narrating her ordeal in the hands of her abusive intimate partner, Mrs Eikhomun-Agbonkhese said: “When I had intensities of abuse, I asked myself- ‘I’m I blind? I felt guilty, I felt ashamed, I felt suicidal.
“When I looked at my children- one was 3 years old, and the other one 11 months still breastfeeding, I realised I had to be alive for them. That was the inner strength I had; I cannot leave them for an abuser to raise, and I couldn’t have left them for the detriment of the society. I had to stay strong to ensure that I provide for these children”.
The author who said proceeds from the book launch would be used to complete a shelter for the rehabilitation of abused women, gave the following narration:
“We ate seven sisters that are building the shelter. The proceeds from the book launch is to complete the shelter. The shelter is meant for women who are sufferers of domestic violence to run to; it is not a permanent place, it is a temporal place. The shelter is not different from what is happening in our rural communities. No community will sit back and watch their women being battered, instead, they’ll take the woman out of there and separate temporarily until mediation takes place.
“Shelter doesn’t contribute to separation of marriage, rather, it contributes to the safety of the woman, to save her life and for her to make firm decision after counseling”.
Speaking earlier, the Book Reviewer- Prof. Yinka Omoregbe, SAN, who was represented by represented by Ms. Chris Bakare said the book which is made up of ten chapter, gave an holistic exploration of domestic violence – from definition to experience. She said the book is non theoretical and has case studies.
“It is extremely readable and it exposes the elephant in the home. Louisa’s abuse is her husband and she has come out boldly to share her experience. The book contains laws relating to domestic violence”, she said.
Delivery a paper, the Key Note Speaker, Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development- H.E. Pauline K. Tallen OFR, KSG, who was represented by Mr. Iheagichi, commend the Author and said the publication will no doubt go a long way to improve existing literature on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
“Domestic violence which which is a component of GBV in the broadest sense, refers to any abuse – including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial – between intimate partners, often living in the same household. The term is often used specifically to designate physical assaults upon women by their male partners. In some cases, the victim may be a male abused by his female partner.
“Gender Based Violence remains one of the most serious threats to the health and safety of women and girls worldwide. Its devastating consequences are felt at social, economic and personal levels because of the grievous harm inflicted on victims.
“Domestic Violence takes away the dignity of the victim, further impoverish her if she is indigent and is left with responsibilities of fending for the children. The matter has become an everyday issue of concern and for discussion in every available space.
“Before COVID, an estimated one in three women in Nigeria have experienced physical or sexual violence over the course of their lives. Yet it remains under-reported and shrouded in a culture of silence and secrecy; undermining women and girls autonomy, health, dignity and contributions to national development.
“Available evidence indicates that COVID-19 intensified several types of violence against women and girls globally and in Nigeria, earning the label, the ‘Shadow Pandemic’ by the United Nations. In response, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with development partners and other civil society organizations, led advocacies and awareness campaigns to the Federal and State legislatures for the domestication/passage of the VAPP Act and assent by State Governors, as well as other related Acts, such as the Child Rights Act, and the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Education Institution Prohibition Bill. The Law also requires that States of the Federation domesticate it to give credence to our advocacy. I glad to note that 34 out of 36 State Governments have assented and are in various stages of implementation of the VAPP laws in their respective states.
“I am glad to note that the author of this Book has an insight to what can be done additionally to ensure that this dreadful menace is reduced to the barest minimum. To this end, I want to encourage everyone to endeavour to pick a copy, buy additional one for family and friends and multiple copies for organizations as a referral guide”, the Honourable Minister said.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues- Mrs. Barbara N. Osobajo said it was truly exciting to see more contextual literature emerging on the matter of Sexual and Gender Based Violence, “for which Domestic Violence is a component. It shows that the culture of silence that had perpetuated the menance of Gender Based Violence is gradually being addressed by these efforts”.
“It is important to note that the campaign against Gender Based Violence and all its affiliates, ‘Domestic Violence’ being one of them, cannot be fully addressed by a single approach, so this Book Launch is one of such diverse approaches that must be encouraged, as it helps in documenting an array of issues related and relevant in the collective effort to addressing the scourge.
“I therefore commend the effort of the author, the book reviewer and other contributors for the extensive work done to put the issues in proper perspective”, She said.
