Medical Women Focus On Domestic Violence

November 4, 2004 - (Daily Champion - Lagos) Dangers associated with domestic violence was roundly discussed at a two-day workshop organised by Medical Women's Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter.

The workshop which took place at Cumberland Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted about 500 women.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, president, Medical Women's Association of Nigeria, Lagos State branch, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayide Ogunsulire described domestic violence especially against women as a public health issue which has devastating consequences on women and their children.

Mrs. Ogunsulire further noted that despite the fact that violence against women is a daily occurrence both in the public and private spheres, it is often rendered invisible.

She added that the silence engulfing it has been used as a weapon in further perpetrating it.

She called for the eradication of violence especially against women as it nullifies the enjoyment by women of their human rights and fundamental freedom.

"Women are somehow very vulnerable and in all respects they need to be protected from various forms of trauma; for example domestic violence and all manners of abuse, which the international community has identified and marked out for eradication as quickly as possible" she added.

Dr. (Mrs.) T. Obilade who spoke on "Child abuse and disabled childness." noted that such children are at risk for maltreatment.

Studies, she said, have shown that children with disabilities are 3 to 4 times more likely to be abused than non-disabled peers.

Quoting the Boys Town National Research Hospital in the United States of America (USA); she said "Children with disabilities are at greater risk of becoming victims of abuse and neglect than children without disabilities".

Also she said that a study done by the Nigerian chapter of the African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect showed that cultural practices and traditional attitudes contribute to the problem.

Dr. (Mrs.) D. Koleoso who delved into "Stigmatisation: a clog in the wheel of prevention of HIV/AIDS," stressed the need for people to stop stigmatising those living with HIV/AIDS.

According to her, stigmatisation will further help in the spread of the dreaded disease," when those who are living with HIV/AIDS are stigmatised, they will not come out to tell people that they are HIV/AIDS positive, rather they will go ahead and spread the disease," she said.

Therefore, she appealed to members of the society to show love and care towards those living with HIV/AIDS, saying that such move will give them hope and sense of belonging.

Highlighting the role of NGOs on domestic violence, executive director, Project Alert, Mrs. Josephine Effah Chukwuma who was represented by Mrs. Bridget Osakwe said that though attempts have been made by organisations since the beginning of the 1990s to bring to the fore the problems of violence against women, these attempts have been greatly hampered by lack of statistical information and specific programmes to deal with the structural nature of violence against women.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200411040728.html