Severe cases of domestic violence can lead to death, Psychologist warns

Tue, Nov 13, 2018 | By publisher


Women

Abraham Naibo, a Clinical Psychologist, has warned that domestic violence in severe cases could lead to death.

Naibo, a psychologist with Synapse Services in Awka, Anambra, made this known in a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, 20 to 60 per cent of women worldwide have experienced some form of domestic violence in their life time.

Naibo said domestic violence can have both physical and psychological effects.

“Domestic violence which is common among women can leave victims with bruises, broken bones, head injuries, swollen eyes, Arthritis, miscarriage and other conditions like internal bleeding.

“Psychologically, studies have shown that depression is very common among women who have been victims of domestic violence which can lead to high rate of suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder,” he said

He noted that women who have suffered domestic violence tend to lose trust for men in general, have low self-esteem, high level of suspicion when faced with similar scenarios even when not abusive.

According to him, victims of domestic violence may also have regular nightmares, panic attacks and self isolation.

Similarly, the expert said when cases of domestic violence were reported they are either neglected or not handled through appropriate means and methods.

Naibo recommended that in curtailing the high rate of death from domestic violence, victims should be in very good support environment that would encourage and help them through traumatic periods.

He emphasised that women who suffer from domestic violence by drunken husbands should seek solace in churches, mosque, neighbour’s house and other safe houses away from their abusive husbands when they get drunk.

Naibo also advised that young women should acquire self-defence skills like martial art and self-defence instruments like pepper spray and teaser.

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), an NGO, three women die because of domestic violence each day. (NAN)

– Nov. 13, 2018 @ 11:55 GMT |

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