The Edo branch of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has advised women in the state to report any form of violence against them to appropriate authorities for immediate action.
Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, the state Chairperson of MWAN, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Thursday in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
This year’s international day has the theme “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now,” with the goal of ending violence against women and girls.
“MWAN has organized a lot of awareness and sensitization programs to allow women who are being violated to come out and report,” she said.
“Most of the time, health workers are the first professionals to whom women may disclose violence, and the health sector plays an important role.”
“Because we are always willing to take up issues concerning violence, we are urging survivors to speak up.”
“Silence will do you more harm,” she explained.
Preventing and responding to violence against women, she believes, is a human right, gender equality, and public health priority.
MWAN Edo, she said, was collaborating with the First Lady of Edo, Mrs Besty Obaseki, as well as the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, to organize enlightenment programs for women and survivors of violence.
“MWAN Edo is also involved and volunteers to help GBV survivors.”
“Today’s main message is Speak Out, Let Us End Gender Based Violence in Edo.”
“The Edo Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law prohibits all forms of gender-based violence.” Once the act is reported, the perpetrators will face legal consequences.”
Domestic violence, according to Dr Lucy Oriomole, a medical practitioner in Benin, “is a major contributor to women’s ill health.”
Domestic violence, according to Oriomole, has an impact on women’s mental, physical, reproductive, and sexual health, making them less productive.
“Domestic violence causes a lot of victims to have gynecological problems, temporary or permanent disabilities, depression, and suicide, among other things,” she explained.
Dr. Jide Owolana, a medical practitioner, also stated that women should be cared for and should not be subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence by a non-partner.
“Some women always think about what people will say if they speak out,” he said, noting that remaining silent would do more harm to the survivor.