Violence Against Men: NGO Commends FIDA For Speaking Out

The executive director 0of Rainbow Watch and Development Centre, Comrade Mike Gbarale, has commended the Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA for its timely condemnation of wives’ assault on men in Rivers State.
In a press release to that effect, the human rights and advocate for the vulnerable stated, “We acknowledge the efforts of the FIDA chairperson, Barr. Adata Bio-Briggs and her team for standing up for what is right and just”
Gbarale said increasing incidents of wives exhibiting violent acts against their spouses is unacceptable and demands action.
“The recent rise of cases of wives assaulting their husbands in Rivers State is a clear indication of the urgent need for action. This trend is unacceptable and condemnable in every sense. Every citizen of this country is entitled to the protection of the law, and this includes men who are victims of domestic violence.”
He hailed FIDA’s gender neutrality in fighting against violence against persond.
“FIDA’s commitment to fighting for the rights of all, irrespective of gender, is exemplary. By taking a stand against the assault of men by their wives, FIDA has demonstrated the principle of equality of the law as enshrined in the VAPP ACTS.
“Rainbow Watch and Development Centre supports FIDA’s position and calls for a concerted effort to put an end to this disturbing trend. We urge relevant stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and the media, to work together to sensitize the public on the dangers of domestic violence and to empower victims to speak out and seek justice,” the Rainbow Watch boss stated.
He called on law enforcement agencies to properly investigate and bring perpetrators of domestic violence to justice.
“We also call on the law enforcement agencies to take the necessary steps to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, regardless of the gender of the victim. We believe that this will send a strong message that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our society and perpetrators will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Finally, we thank FIDA for its unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, and we call on all Nigerians to join hands in the fight against domestic violence”.
The rise of cases of women turning violent against their spouses is assuming significant note with the Lagos State government recently disclosing that at least 340 husbands have been beaten by their wives in the last year. Cases of violence against women by men has also been on the increase despite the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act signed at the last days of the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2019.