Group calls for center to support men who suffer abuses

Inclusive Women International (IW), a non- governmental organisation, on Thursday, called on government to set up center for the support of men who suffer abuses.

The President and Founder of IW, Mrs Patience Isiorho-Eleto, made the call at a conference organised by the UK Chapter of Inclusive Women in Ikeja.

The conference is to sensitise people to the impact of violence on men, women and children.

``I am asking the government to get us a center for men who are abused or are abusers of women to go and get support.

``These men should be made to undergo 12 weeks programme on domestic abuse like we do in the UK.

``In Nigeria, there is no place like that; what is obtained here is we arrest a man, charge the man to the court and straight to the prison.

``So, the gap between the court and the prison is what we want to address", Isiorho-Eleto said.

She called on all stakeholders to join hands to bridge the gap.

Prince Jide Kosoko, an actor, urged women to always respect their husbands irrespective of their status and who they are or what they have acquired.

``This is one programme that is actually talking about the mistakes of women too, although most of the havoc is quite created by the men.

``But I will say that the percentage of what leads to violence is more on the part of the women.

``What leads to violence are mostly caused by women but most domestic violence are perpetrated by the men", Kosoko said.

He blamed the causes of abuse on the influence of civilisation on the people; saying this had affected quite a lot of lifestyles.

He suggested more programmes of this nature to promote the culture where women respect their husbands.

Mrs Josephine Osezemevoya, solicitor, Center for Rights and Development, urged stakeholders to support and find a way to eliminate violence against children.

According to her, children living with domestic violence face increased risks of maltreatment and are at great risk of accidental injury.

``The effects also impact on the behaviour, social competence and emotional wellbeing of children that are abused.

``Children who have been physically abused and witnessing domestic violence tend to show the highest levels of behavioural and emotional disturbance", she said.

NAN reports that the meeting was attended by non governmental organisations from UK and Nigeria and Nollywood actors and actresses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the theme of the conference was Walking on Eggshells. (NAN)