Nollywood veteran actress, Hilda Dokubo has advised domestic violence victims on how to handle their situations.
She counseled them on the first steps to take when found in such a situation. Ths conversation came to light while sitting with The PUNCH`s Sunday Scoop.
According to Hilda, the solution will depend on the abuser, whether it is verbal, financial, or emotional.
Nonetheless, she noted that the 1st step is not to completely run away from a physically abusive marriage.
In her words;
It depends on what the abuse is. My first option is not to leave your home. My first option will be to speak to the abused or the abuser. That is if the abuse is verbal, financial, psychological or emotional.
If that is the case, I will let the abuser understand that the abused is can no longer take the abuse. The reason is that sine people don`t know that their spouse is being hurt by their actions.
But, if it is physical abuse, my advice is that the person should leave the environment completely. The actions of a man who can hit a woman cannot be predicted. Such a person needs mental evaluation.
Hilda also added that Cultural and religious institutions are the βΛcreators` of gender. They are the ones who say, βΛthis is male and female; and that one is superior while the other is inferior`. God never classified men and women that way. Men and women were created equal.
Traditional and religious leaders need to ensure that everybody is protected, including children. People should not be made vulnerable or exposed to danger because of the things they (religious and traditional leaders) approve. Whatever is approved stays and whatever stays becomes a tradition.
