Journalist Lola Adesioye Standing in Vulnerability and Authenticity, Shares her Story!

Writer and journalist Lola Adesioye notified us that the initial republished article of her personal story, which she shared publicly on Facebook and gave us written consent to republish, now,“is detrimental, damaging and injurious to my life.” Accordingly, we have chosen to delete her republished story.

We, however, have left the important general information our team shared for women. We encourage our readers, especially women with children, to review the resources/information and seek help if you find yourselves in such situations.

Yours truly,
/s/ Uduak Oduok
Uduak Oduok, Esq.
Editor-in-Chief
Ladybrille

Domestic Violence in Nigeria
Nigeria has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Africa. More than two thirds of Nigerian women are believed to experience physical, sexual and psychological abuse at the hands of their husbands.

A small-scale study conducted in the Lagos and Oyo states revealed that nearly 65 percent of educated women said they had been beaten by a partner, boyfriend or husband, while 56 percent of lower-income market women experienced similar violence.

In Nigeria, the social context of violence against women is based on the traditional patriarchal structure that defines gender. It is the belief in Nigeria that when a woman is married, she surrenders to her husband. She is required to provide “sex and obedience” to her husband according to a development report produced by Amnesty International. According to the African Journal of Reproductive Health in 2005, a husband has the liberty to “violate and batter” his wife if he feels she has not adequately fulfilled her obligations.

Amnesty International calls Nigeria’s rate of domestic violence “shocking,” and has called on the local governments to do something to stem the violence.

“On a daily basis, Nigerian women are beaten, raped and even murdered by members of their family for supposed transgressions, which can range from not having meals ready on time to visiting family members without their husband’s permission,” says Stephane Mikala of Amnesty International. “Tragically, husbands, partners and fathers are responsible for most of the violence against these women.”

Domestic violence in Nigeria is neither against the law, nor do the victims receive full legal support, as many prefer to stay in abusive relationships than leave and face the ridicule of living outside wedlock. There is no government or charitable funding in Nigeria to support this area of work and raise awareness . . . The Havenrefuge.org.uk

Domestic Violence USA

• Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.

• Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family.

• Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.

• Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.

• Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.

• Everyday in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.

• Ninety-two percent of women surveyed listed reducing domestic violence and sexual assault as their top concern.

• Domestic violence victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the US alone—the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs. . .” Domestic Violence Statistics.org

UPDATE Published 11/13/2013

Ladybrille Magazine

Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.