‘Domestic violence, not a family affair’

THE United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos, has reiterated that domestic violence is not a family affair, rather a criminal offence and a breach of fundamental human rights. “Incest, rape, abuse and all other forms of domestic violence cannot be a domestic affair,” the National Information Officer, UNIC Lagos, Mr. Oluseyi Soremekun, said at a programme on “Domestic Violence: Breaking the Cycle, Dealing with the Consequences,” in Lagos.

The programme, jointly organised by UNIC and Warien Rose Foundation, was attended by students, media and other members of the public.

Soremekun urged victims to speak out and seek help, being a bold step to breaking the cycle of domestic violence, adding that everyone should revisit family and societal values, which place premium on good conduct and good family name.

President, Warien Rose Foundation, Efe Anaughe, expressed concern at the alarming rate of domestic violence especially those related to sexual assault, child abuse and rape.

Delivering a keynote address on the occasion, the Information Manager of Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Mr. Timothy Melaye, noted that domestic violence is a problem for all of us, as no one knows the next victim; it could be your brother, sister, friend, neighbour, cousin, niece, nephew, son, daughter or even you.