How to Prevent Domestic Violence in Nigeria: A Practical Guide for Safe Homes

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Domestic violence remains a serious problem in Nigeria, affecting women, men, and children. According to a 2024 NOI Polls survey, 35% of Nigerian women have experienced physical or sexual abuse from an intimate partner. The consequences, such as broken families, trauma, and even death, demand urgent action.
There are proven strategies to prevent domestic violence and help spouses and families stay safe. Some of these strategies include:

Identifying the Red Flags/Recognising the Warning Signs Early
Domestic violence often starts with small signs before escalating. These signs may include one or more of the following behaviours: Controlling behaviour (e.g., stopping you from seeing friends), Verbal abuse (insults, threats, humiliation), Extreme jealousy (accusing you of cheating without reason) and Physical aggression (pushing, slapping, or throwing objects). For instance, a woman noticed her husband’s temper worsening over time. When he began breaking household items during arguments, she decided to seek help before it escalated into physical violence.

Improve Communication in Relationships
Many conflicts turn violent due to poor communication. To curb these, it is advisable to use the "I" statements (e.g., "I feel hurt when you shout" instead of "You always yell"), take breaks during heated arguments (agree to pause and revisit the discussion later) and avoid blame games (focus on solutions, not who’s at fault). For example, a couple reduced fights by setting a rule such as: "If voices get loud, we take a 10-minute break."

 Know Your Legal Rights (VAPP Act 2015)
Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law criminalises domestic violence. Hence, it is important to report abuse to the police, get a restraining order against an abusive partner and access free legal aid from NGOs that uphold women’s rights.

Build a Support Network
Isolation makes abuse worse. Therefore, it is important to always connect with trusted family or friends who can offer shelter, religious leaders (many churches/mosques now counsel against violence) and community groups such as market associations, neighbourhood watch etc. An instance is a woman who escaped an abusive marriage after confiding in her pastor, and the clergyman helped her relocate safely.

Seek Professional Help
Free counselling is available in many centres, depending on the country you are in and where you reside. Some centres have an emergency number to which you can reach them. It's left to the victim to find out where such agencies or NGO's are located and their contacts.

 Create a Safety Plan
If you fear violence, then prepare an emergency bag (hidden cash, ID, clothes, phone charger), safe exit routes (know how to leave quickly) and code word (a signal to alert friends/family you’re in danger)

Promote Financial Independence
In a situation where many victims stay due to financial fears, such a person can explore small businesses (selling food, crafts, or online services), skills training (sewing, coding, or catering, state employment trust funds, and available places to access microloans. For example, a woman started a small pepper-selling business, saved money, and left her abusive husband.

Educate Children on Healthy Relationships
Break the cycle by teaching kids how to respect all genders (boys and girls are equal), non-violent conflict resolution (no hitting or insults) and how to report abuse (trusted adults they can talk to). For example, Kingsinbirth group of Schools in Benin City, Nigeria, teaches children about gender equality and anti-bullying.

 Avoid Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Substance abuse increases violence; therefore, substance users can seek help from rehabilitation centres closest to them.

Save Emergency Contacts
Finally, speak up and stay safe because domestic violence thrives in silence. Therefore, report it (even anonymously), render support to survivors (offer shelter, listen without judgment) and create awareness to save lives. 

Finally, "No one deserves abuse. Help is available, you are not alone."


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