Why Domestic Violence Victims Remain Trapped in Abusive Relationships — Experts!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa
Gender rights experts have highlighted financial dependency as a leading reason many victims of domestic abuse find it difficult to leave violent relationships, despite escalating harm and long-term trauma.
Key Insights from Experts:
- Economic Control: Abusers often restrict their partners’ access to money, jobs, or education, making escape seem impossible.
- Shame & Stigma: Cultural and religious pressures often shame victims into silence, especially in tightly-knit communities.
- Fear of Retaliation: Many victims fear that leaving may provoke deadly violence or lead to losing custody of their children.
- Lack of Support Systems: Insufficient shelters, legal aid, and trusted social networks leave victims isolated.
What Experts Recommend:
- Strengthening women’s access to economic opportunities and micro-loans.
- Expanding shelters and emergency legal services nationwide.
- Implementing community-level education to challenge harmful gender norms.
- Enforcing protection laws and prosecuting abusers without bias.
Why It Matters:
- Nigeria recorded over 19,000 domestic violence cases in 2024 alone, according to the National Human Rights Commission.
- Without urgent, systemic intervention, many victims remain trapped in cycles of abuse and poverty.
Citations:
- UN Women Nigeria – www.unwomen.org
- NHRC Report 2024 – www.nigeriarights.gov.ng
- Punch Newspapers – https://www.punchng.com
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