OSOGBO – A former Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Osun, Mrs Remi Wilson, has urged women to speak up against domestic violence.
Wilson made the call in Osogbo on Wednesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to her, keeping silent in the face of domestic violence will eventually end up working against the victim.
‘’When I say that women should speak up against domestic violence, I do not mean that they should confront their husbands, rather they should seek for help before the issue gets out of hand.
‘’Victims of domestic violence, especially physical and sexual assault from partners, should not be shy from sharing their experiences with counsellors, medical personnel and psychologists,’’ she said.
The former director said that it was also important to report such developments to security agencies.
She, however, said consulting with those who could passionately appeal to the sentiment of both parties should be the first step.
‘‘When a woman is constantly abused and she keeps quiet about it, the tendency is there for the trend to continue even up to a dangerous degree.
“ Like rape cases, many women are suffering and dying in silence when the right counselling could have put the ugly situation under check.
“ Even children raised in homes where domestic violence is the order of the day have the possibility of growing to become husband and wife abusers because they will think it is the normal way to live,’’ she said.
Wilson further urged abused women to always seek the assistance of counsellors and psychologists in order to save their lives and marriages.
‘’I am not saying that the man is always at fault, there are cases of women who can really be a pain in the neck at homes.
“ But beating such women has proven not to be the solution,’’ Wilson said.
She appealed to prospective husbands and wives to take into consideration compatibility and tolerance before venturing into marriage.
Wilson, who expressed dismay at the high rate of divorce cases often due to domestic violence, described the trend as unfortunate. (NAN)
