We must join hands to root out domestic violence in Nigeria, Ambode

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode has said that to curb the menace of domestic violence in the country, medical practitioners must join hands with other stakeholders to ensure the scourge is completely rooted out of the nation. She made this remark at the 2016 Annual General and Scientific Meeting of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch yesterday.

Speaking at the event tagged, “Domestic violence: The Role Of Medical Women in Curbing This Menace,” Ambode said the practice is a horrible menace that must be stamped out of the society. Ambode, who was represented by the wife of the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Falilat Obasa, observed that perpetrators of domestic violence are both sexes. She however noted that the state, through the Ministry of Justice is ensuring the rights of victims of domestic violence are protected.

Earlier in her welcome address, Chairman of the event and Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, described domestic violence as a national problem.

She observed that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Africa. According to her, studies conducted revealed that 65% of educated women admitted to have been beaten by partners, while 56% of market women have also experienced domestic violence, saying men are 99.5% responsible for domestic violence.