Book Review by Prof Yinka Omorogbe, SAN
Surviving Domestic Violence in Relation to Laws on Protection in Nigeria is a book that gives much more than it promises from its title. It has ten chapters which cover the field of domestic violence, from definitions to experience, to finally deciding to take action, to all possible effects of violence. It is not theoretical and is accompanied by case studies and hard empirical evidence, including stories of experiences suffered by the writer, Mrs. Louisa Eikhomun- Agbonkhese. From the onset, I must state that it is extremely readable, and hard to put down.
The author’s book exposes the elephant in the room in practically every society globally. Hidden in plain sight, domestic violence is a global scourge, suffered by so many people all over the world. It is also known as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, and while the majority of victims are women and girls, it is suffered by all sexes and at all ages. It is a major focus of the United Nations and underpins Sustainable Development Goal 5, which is on Gender Equality.
Often victims suffer in silence, usually feeling that they are to blame, and where people in their communities are made aware of the abuse suffered, it is often treated as a private family matter, because the abuser is usually a family member. Louisa’s abuser was her husband. She is an abused woman who was courageous enough to escape the tyranny of intimate partner violence. She has also come out boldly to share her experiences and to call out the elephant, and so help people realise that they do not have to live in fear and bondage, with the risk of dying prematurely at the hands of their abuser.
It is not a legal book in any way although it contains primary laws dealing with domestic violence in Nigeria and Edo state as its last two chapters. In reality, it is a practical treatise on domestic violence generally, and domestic violence within Nigeria from her personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence. In that sense, it can be regarded as a handbook for persons suffering from this awful scourge who are contemplating what steps to take to cope with their present situations. It is frankly, explicitly, and experientially written. It tells of the author’s experiences at the hands of an abuser that she was married to and the effects on the children of that relationship. It also frankly delves into societal attitudes towards domestic violence, and how they support or inhibit survivors who have taken the brave step of separating from their abusers. We see the roles that societal and religious norms can play in helping victims to get back on their feet. She highlights some present unfortunate realities in Nigeria, such as the attitudes of the Nigerian Police, and the largely negative roles played by the church in some instances. This is particularly sad because the church should be a place where one draws strength and solace, which our Lord Jesus Christ gives freely. She encourages all to be attentive and to offer help where they notice signs of abuse, and she gives practical ways through which all can help.
Happily, she has also set out to provide support and refuge to victims in various ways. An important way is through the Encouragers Circle, which is the support group that she formed for victims. Another is through the Shelter which she is building to provide a refuge for victims. Her efforts are to be greatly commended and deserve our full support.
The book has 10 chapters, and the last two are reproductions of the national Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015, the Lagos State Domestic Violence Law 2007, and the Edo state Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2019. These should rightly have been appendices of the book, and not chapters: one wonders why the published did not adopt this conventional style. In some places, there are a few proofreader lapses, which I believe will be corrected in future editions, which I believe will certainly be printed.
I believe that the book is a must-read for all, particularly for any person in an abusive relationship, and persons contemplating marriage. Young girls need to know that danger signals and not assume that marriage will change the young man. In fact, it will bring out hidden traits. It is also a very good read. I found it to be very fascinating and informative: it is so frankly written. I congratulate Mrs. Louisa Eikhomun- Agbonkhese and am looking forward to seeing and being part of your evolution towards becoming a leading voice in the national and global fight against domestic violence.
Congratulations!
Professor Yinka Omorogbe, SAN
