Men Should Speak Out On Domestic Abuse – Retired Judge

By Sola Jacobs

A retired judge of Osun State High Court, Justice Folahanmi Oloyede has called on Nigerian men to feel free to share their domestic problems with people who could help rather than remain silent over the fear of being ridiculed.

She gave this counsel during the launching of “Olori Tola Foundation” a Non-Governmental Organisation, initiated to fight abuse of men and boys, by individual or groups.

The retired judge observed that most men are traumatized and exploited domestically leading them to become victim of depression or physiological disorder, hence the level of violence being experienced on daily basis.

According to her, Non-governmental organisations advocate on women and children issues, but very few addressed men challenges.

She, therefore, opined that there is a need for women to love their men, as love begets love so as to curb the issue of domestic violence.

The activist, therefore, counsel men to seek help and not hesitate to speak out when they are over-burdened, oppressed or repressed by their spouses or families, to avoid over-reaction which can make them commit a crime against others or themselves.

Justice Oloyede decried that inability of men to speak out for fear of being ridiculed or termed weakling makes some vulnerable among them to take suicide option.

She observed that there are more cases of mental breakdown in recent times as a result of pressure, emotional problems and even the upbringing of individuals.

She noted that there is need for foundations that men could approach and unburden their problem.

In an interview with Osun Defender, Olori Tola Bamidele, a UK based Nigerian said that the need to support men and boys necessitated the establishment of the foundation.

Bamidele stated further that the problem in the society should be tackled holistically, saying some men are abused and suffering from depression, while others are over-burdened as a result of family and financial pressure which in turn affect their behaviour in the society.

She therefore called on Nigerians to be their brothers keepers, as everyone needs to be loved, respected and accepted.