Yemisi Izuora
Lagos state government has warned that it will not spare perpetrators of domestic violence in the state as it has set in motion logistics to deal with any one found guilty of the offence.
Dropping the warning in Lagos today at the launch of a Research Report “Being A Man In Nigeria: Realities and Perceptions” by VOICES4CHANGE, deputy governor of the state, Idiat Adebule said on no account will government further tolerate any act of domestic violence.
The deputy governor said the right and dignity of women should be respected and that efforts should be made to ensure empowerment of women to make them contribute to development agenda of government.
She reminded citizens that the Lagos state Domestic Violence Law 2007 provided for protection of women and the girl child and also prescribed punishment against violators of the law.
Adebule, said government is working out programs that will lead to women empowerment but while that is being done, it will continue to partner with organisations like VOICE4CHANGE to raise public awareness about the law and its attendant consequences.
“We will ensure the 2007 Domestic Violence Law is enforced and we will also continue to support girl child and women empowerment” she assured.
In her remark, the state commissioner for women affairs and poverty alleviation, Mrs. Lola Akande said the ministry will continue to develop initiatives that will boost the economic status of women.
Akande warned against the abuse of women and children and expressed commitment to work with relevant bodies to break the cycle of violence among families.
Reviewing the publication, Patience Ekeoba, Research and Evidence Lead of V4C, explained that the report was done with the view to understanding men’s attitude and practices in relation to women, family matters and community life.
She said the research envisages that based on available empirical evidence’ “gender equitable and non violent masculinities can bring important benefits to men and women alike for example better relationships, less stress, happier children, and future generations who reject violence against women and children in all forms”.