Association seeks policy implementation to curb domestic violence consequence on economy

Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Lagos has called for implementation of legislations and policies that would curb the rising effects of domestic violence on the economy and societal development.

Speaking at its 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM) themed: “Domestic Violence: Causes and Impact on Societal Development,” the Vice Chairman, Adedolapo Ayoola, said the effect of domestic violence has eaten deep into the country’s economy, thereby hindering development in the society.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the vulnerability of women and girls to violence, as many countries have reported increasing cases of domestic violence and demand for emergency shelter, adding that Lagos State, between April and May 2020, recorded 227 cases, representing the highest recorded rate in the entire history of the state.

Ayoola noted that government needs to take a precise policy that addresses the issues, which are increasing at an alarming rate, adding that the legislators should begin to take issues that concern domestic violence as a priority

“Africans don’t really take talks serious until there is a punishment attached to an issue, that is only when people tend to have their senses. The legislators should begin to look into the issue of domestic violence and come up with policies,” he said.

A trustee of YMCA, Otunba Oyinlade Adedeji, said Nigeria, from time immemorial, has a lot of legislations in place, adding that the problem is the ability for “us to adapt ourselves to it and be disciplined.”

Speaking on the choice of the theme for the AGM, the General Secretary, Adeniyi Akindayomi, said the association looked at the situation in the country and discovered that domestic violence is a major issue that has come to the front burner and requires collective efforts to proffer solutions.