70 men beaten by their wives in Lagos… see dangers of domestic violence
The Lagos State Government has disclosed that within the past year, 70 husbands came forward reporting incidents of being physically assaulted by their wives.
In contrast, 592 women reported experiencing domestic violence inflicted by their husbands during the same timeframe.
Cecilia Dada, the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), shared this data during a ministerial press briefing commemorating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s first year in office of his second term.
The ministry documented a total of 662 domestic violence cases, with 274 directly reported and 388 reported through the ministry’s toll-free line.
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Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), further highlighted the issue, stating that between September 2022 and July 2023, 340 men reported experiencing domestic violence perpetrated by their wives.
Dangers of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence poses numerous dangers, including physical harm, emotional trauma, and long-term psychological effects. Here’s a breakdown:
Physical Harm: This is the most visible danger, including injuries ranging from bruises and cuts to broken bones or worse. It can escalate to life-threatening situations, leading to severe injuries or even death.
Emotional Trauma: Victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem due to the constant fear, intimidation, and manipulation inflicted by the abuser.
Psychological Effects: Domestic violence can cause long-lasting psychological damage, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects the victim’s ability to function in daily life and form healthy relationships.
Financial Instability: Abusers may control finances, leaving victims financially dependent or even bankrupt, making it harder for them to leave the abusive situation.
Social Isolation: Abusers often isolate victims from friends and family, making it harder for them to seek help or escape the abusive relationship.
Impact on Children: Witnessing domestic violence can have profound and lasting effects on children, leading to emotional, behavioral, and developmental problems that can persist into adulthood.
Cycle of Violence: Without intervention, domestic violence tends to escalate over time, with cycles of abuse becoming more frequent and severe.
Legal Consequences: In addition to physical and emotional harm, domestic violence can result in legal consequences for both the abuser and the victim, including criminal charges, restraining orders, and custody battles.
Addressing domestic violence requires a multifaceted approach, including legal protections, support services for victims, and efforts to change societal attitudes and behaviors.
