The International Federation of Women Lawyers has identified the act of malice-keeping between spouses as an emerging form of domestic violence that requires urgent attention and action.
FIDA made this known on Tuesday during a peer learning and experience-sharing dialogue involving traditional rulers, faith leaders, and government stakeholders, aimed at strengthening the fight against Gender-Based Violence.
The event, supported by the Ford Foundation, was themed: “From Experience to Impact: Strengthening GBV Prevention Through Shared Learning.”
During a panel session, FIDA emphasised that malice-keeping, where spouses deliberately ignore or emotionally isolate each other, is one of the most overlooked yet dangerous forms of GBV.
The organisation noted that the silent treatment can have long-lasting effects on women’s mental health and should be addressed as part of broader GBV prevention efforts.
Deputy Director of Social Welfare at the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Olafisayo Alani, stated that the ministry has partnered with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency to ensure prompt reporting and response to GBV cases.
“Any case of GBV can be reported by dialling our toll-free hotline 767. You can even report anonymously as a mandated reporter,” Alani said.
“If you witness any form of GBV in your community, please speak up and lodge a complaint,” she added.
Chief Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi addressed a major challenge in prosecuting sexual violence cases, victims often fail to show up in court, leading to acquittals.
She urged survivors to come forward and take advantage of legal protections provided under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2021.
“The law now allows survivors to testify in camera, meaning privately, to protect them from public embarrassment and name-calling,” she explained.
“The court remains a public space, but this provision ensures victims can speak out without fear,” Osunsanmi said.
Earlier, in her welcome address, FIDA Vice National President, Mrs. Eliana Martins, represented by Mrs. Philomena Nneji, National Financial Secretary, said the dialogue was a follow-up to a series of engagements held between October 2024 and June 2025.
According to her, these sessions were designed to foster community-led prevention strategies and equip participants with the knowledge to challenge cultural and religious norms that perpetuate gender-based violence.
“These beneficiaries have been empowered to become advocates and custodians of knowledge, using community resources to advance gender justice,” Martins said.
“This forum is not only to assess the progress made but also to document key lessons and challenges as we plan future GBV interventions,” she said.
She added that a project progress report will be shared with participants to highlight achievements and areas needing improvement.
Chairperson of FIDA Ikeja Branch, Mrs. Nnenna Eze, revealed that the organisation had achieved a 65% success rate in its campaign against GBV. She called for more collaboration from stakeholders to sustain the fight.
She also noted that the sustainability of the project would be analysed, and success stories amplified to ensure continuous protection of women and girls from violence and discrimination in local communities.
The event concluded with appreciation to the Ford Foundation for its unwavering support and a call for stronger community action to end GBV in all its forms.
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