In the spirit of Valentine… stop domestic violence

NACA advises Nigerians on safe Valentine Day’s celebrations

IT’S going to be a ‘red’ weekend signifying the celebration of love by lovers across the world with a climax on Sunday, February 14, which is Valentine’s Day. It is a day when people show love to people precious to them and sometimes to people they do not even know like the less privileged. Most couples also celebrate their love for each other on this special day as a memorial in honour of the sacrifice of a Christian martyr, St. Valentinus.

However, lately, there has been an upsurge of domestic violence, which is beginning to redefine the essence of love among spouses and in families. Domestic violence takes many forms, which may be physical, sexual, or emotional. The most common form of domestic violence includes rape, acid attacks, molestation, wife beating, and murder.

Speaking with The Guardian on the reasons for increased cases of domestic violence and how it could be curbed, Mr. John Okojie, said: “Love is the basis for true marriage but nowadays, some people marry for selfish reasons, which will, in the long run lead to domestic violence. When such people do not get want they want from the relationship, evil desires take over their souls and they start acting negatively towards their partner.

Relationships built on faulty foundations like lust, beauty, wealth, pity, would most likely lead to domestic violence in marriages. To reduce such, the word “love” should be redefined and understood by both partners.”

For Amanda Onos, misunderstanding is the major cause of domestic violence in relationships. “Misunderstanding is the cause of conflicts in relationships. The over-bloated ego of one partner can also lead to domestic violence. To curb it, couples should learn to understand and tolerate each other,” she said.

Olawunmi Akindipo listed high expectations and lack of trust as causes of violence in marriages and relationships. “And this can be avoided if partners are contented with what they have and trust each other.”

As measures that can be put in place to curb domestic violence, Akindipo advised relevant government agencies to set up a toll-free help line, where affected persons can make report cases of domestic violence to and related emergency situations.

Meanwhile, the Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Prof. John Idoko, has urged all Nigerians to “love carefully’’ and “play safe’’ as they celebrate the Valentine Day. He advised people to take full charge of their health by knowing their HIV/AIDS status and encouraging their partners to do so, while avoiding risky behaviours that might expose them to the AIDS virus.

“Beyond the sweet words and exchange of gifts, it is pertinent that the young and adult are equipped with adequate information and education on how to ensure that Valentine’s Day celebration is not taken out of context”.