International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a day which is an occasion for governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to raise public awareness of violence against women. It has been observed on November 25 each year since 2000

According to Shahla Khan, author of "Friends with Benefits: Rethinking Friendship, Dating and Violence,  “Make sure your fun is not mocking someone’s pain and your enjoyment is not another’s suffering. The melody of your ears must not be the cries of a powerless.” 

Another quote from S.M Stirling I love is: “Now let's move on to the subject of how a real man treats his wife. A real man doesn't slap even a ten-dollar hooker around, if he's got any self respect, much less hurt his own woman. Much less ten times over the mother of his kids. A real man busts his ass to feed his family, fights for them if he has to, dies for them if he has to. And he treats his wife with respect every day of his life, treats her like a queen - the queen of the home she makes for their children.”

There are insufficient data on domestic violence in Nigeria.  This is primarily due to the stigma and silence surrounding this issue. 

However, the most extensive data available are contained in the National Demographic and Health Survey in 2008. That study showed that domestic violence cuts across all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. 28 per cent of all women, almost a third of all women in Nigeria, have experienced physical violence, a significant number in a country of almost 160 million, where almost half are women. The Gender in Nigeria, 2012 report also indicated that young women  between the ages of 15 and 24, were most likely to have experienced physical violence.  They were also most likely to justify violence, including wife beating. 

Fortunately, the problem of domestic violence can be successfully eliminated. We all need to SPEAK UP, VOICE OUT and ACT without sentiments.

Helplines: For information or help in domestic abuse situations

Call the lines below:

Federal Government of Nigeria Toll Free Number for Violation of Girls and Women – 080072732255

CHELD Domestic Violence Helplines – 0810 757 2829; 0813 164 3208

[CHELD: Centre for Health, Ethics, Law and Development]

You can also call: 767 or 112









CREDITS:
http://domesticviolence.com.ng/research-statistics/
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/eliminate-violence-against-women-day
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/domestic-violence
www.google.com/domestic-violence