Pass Domestic Violence Bill, FG Urged
By Ndubuisi Ugah
As Nigeria celebrates her 44th Independence anniversary today, the Federal Government has been urged to expedite action in enacting the Domestic Violence Law (DVL), as this will go a long way to protect persons, whose rights are continuously violated.
Speaking at formal launch of the "Blue Ribbon" network for men against domestic violence in Lagos, the Programme Officer of Legal Defence And Assistance Project (LEDAP), Mrs. Chinwe Onyeukwu said "domestic violence, like a cankerworm eating slowly but deeply has impacted negatively on the lives and integrity of women and other vulnerable persons in the society".
Onyeukwu, who is in charge of the organisation's women rights programme, said the organisation was worried about the rising incidents of domestic violence and other violations of women's rights in Nigeria.
According to her, "it constitutes damage within the family that causes deep and huge indelible marks to the structure of the society and the individual victims". She said in view of the various incidents such as deathsacid baths arising from domestic violence her organisation decided to launch the campaign (Blue Ribbon) ostensibly becuase perpetrators of these violations have not been properly prosecuted and punished as a deterent to others.
"One main cause of this is the fact that both the government and the society in which they thrive have not only turned deaf ears to these violations but also lacks the requisite remedies to eradicate them", she said.
Noting that the "Blue Ribbon" is an advocates network of men working to promote the respect for women's rights, zero tolerance to domestic violence across the country, Onyeukwu added that the campaign is expected to be used to further educate the public on the dangers of domestic violence which would invariably lead to the enactment of the Domestic Violence Bill, already before the National Assembly.
The programme officer noted that membership of the advocacy group was open to any male person who subscribes to monitor and report cases of domestic violence, violence against women and other forms of violations or abuse of human rights of any woman or women in Nigeria; offer assistance and support to women who suffer abuse or violation; demand redress for victims and where necessary accountability for perpetrators of the abuse, and enlighten men and women in the society on the issues of women's human rights in general and domestic violence in particular.
While emphasising that the violations of women's rights if unchecked would adversely affect the country's campaign for economic growth, Onyeukwu said government should hasten up in amending legislations, which provides and condones domestic violence through the provision of measures that would protect victims of domeswtic violence.
Speaking also, the National Coiordinator of LEDAP, Mr. Chino Obiagwu said domestic violence debases the human person, and destroys the soul, mind and body.
"It is inhuman and degrading treatment, which means that it is a violation of human rights of the victim", he said.
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