Breaking The Cycle Of Violence: A Personal Reflection And A Call To Action

0Recently, I was shocked by the gruesome images of a young woman from a Community in Isoko south, Delta State, who was cut on the head with a cutlass by her husband for whatever the case may be. This disturbing incident highlights the urgent need for men to reflect on their behaviour and attitudes towards women.

As I reflect on my childhood, I am reminded of a pivotal moment that has had a lasting impact on my life. Growing up in a family where respect and non-violence were deeply ingrained values, I was shocked when my father, in a moment of extreme frustration, slapped my mother. The swift intervention of our Catholic Church community and friends prevented a potentially disastrous outcome. This incident left an indelible mark on our family, particularly on my father.

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In the aftermath of that incident, my father made a conscious effort to model non-violent behaviour, and this had a ripple effect on our entire family. As a result, my brothers and I grew up with a deep-seated conviction that physical violence against women is unacceptable. We have carried this value into our own marriages, creating a safe and respectful environment for our partners.

Unfortunately, not all men have had the same upbringing or experiences. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 30% of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. This staggering statistic highlights the need for a correctional episode, a wake-up call for men to recognize the devastating consequences of their actions.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has severe physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for victims. It can lead to injuries, chronic health problems, mental health disorders, and even death. Moreover, IPV can have long-lasting effects on children, damaging their emotional and psychological well-being.

As men, we have a critical role to play in breaking the cycle of violence. We must recognize that our actions have consequences and that we have the power to choose how we treat our partners. To achieve this, we must treat our partners with respect, kindness, and empathy, communicate effectively, manage our anger in a healthy and constructive way, and seek help when needed.

Breaking the cycle of violence requires a collective effort. As men, we must take responsibility for our actions and work towards creating a culture of respect, empathy, and kindness. By sharing my personal story, I hope to inspire others to reflect on their own values and behaviours. Together, we can create a safer, more respectful world for all.

Sir Divramredje Lawrence Efeturi, KSJI, ASCIEPUK.
(A public affairs commentator)