By Theresa Igata

The increase in cases of domestic violence has become very worrisome across the globe; women and girls being the most vulnerable. With reports from the National Coalition against Domestic Violence that about 1.2 million females are assaulted by an intimate partner every year and 25 per cent of women may experience violence in their life time, it has become even more worrisome.

To this end the Lagos State Government has raised its concerns over increasing cases of rape and other forms of domestic violence in the country saying, “There is the need to subject perpetrators of such crimes to psychiatric test, even as it calls for collaborative efforts from all in the society”.

Speaking at the 2016 annual seminar of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Lagos chapter tagged: Ending Domestic Violence: A task for all. The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, lamented that it is a growing  concern that perpetrators of domestic violence seem to increase by the day in our society, despite government’s efforts, various advocacy programs and sensitisation aimed at putting an end to it. She however disclosed that in 2012, rape was among the cases that dominated the magistrate courts across the state.

According to Adebule, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, office of the Deputy Governor Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi, “It is unfortunate that many, especially perpetrators in the society claim to be ignorant of the domestic violence law 2007 and other relevant laws provided by the government to protect women and girls in the state. We must not allow cases of domestic violence to be swept under the carpet. When we all speak out, we will be contributing to end the act within our society. It is one crime that affects the mentality of us all”, she said.

She however enjoined community development associations, parents, guardians, community leaders and all stakeholders to end the intolerable act and report every form of domestic violence to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

In lending her voice, the commissioner for women affairs and poverty alleviation, Mrs Lola Akande said that a total of 10 family courts have been established within the state to handle such cases but “we must all join hands to curb cases of domestic violence which is a great infringement to one’s human right. No matter the reasons given for such an act, it is not acceptable”.

Speaking earlier in her welcome address the chairperson NAWOJ Lagos chapter, Hajia Sekinah Temitope Lawal,  enjoined all to be watchful and be their neighbours’ keeper by reporting any of such cases. She however commended the Lagos state government for being the only state that has made provision in the law for violence against women and children, while employing other states to follow suit. “We have to change our orientation and also make our legal process more humane in dealing with such cases, if we want a better society”.

For other stakeholders at the event, believe that a lot of focus should now be on the perpetrators of domestic violence where the law in Lagos applies to both parties, while they also called on traditional institutions and religious bodies to break the scourge of silence.