Domestic Violence Is a National Emergency, We Must Act Now, Says Chidi Obeke-Okoli

The newly inaugurated Deputy Coordinator of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Enugu State Branch, Chidi Obeke-Okoli, has described domestic violence as a national emergency. She said Nigeria needs urgent and united action to stop the growing problem.

Speaking in Enugu after her inauguration on Saturday, Obeke-Okoli said domestic violence is like a “dangerous disease” destroying families and threatening peace and security in the country.

The human rights lawyer shared her plans to go beyond court cases. She said the fight against domestic violence must include community awareness, stronger institutions, and prevention at the grassroots level.

She praised the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for taking important steps to protect victims. She commended the state for adopting the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) Law, saying it shows that Enugu State will not tolerate any form of domestic violence.

According to her, the law is already in place, but everyone must work together to make it effective. She called on lawyers, the police, and residents to ensure the law truly protects vulnerable people.

“The legal system is ready. What we need now is collective responsibility to make the law work,” she said.

Obeke-Okoli also expressed concern that people no longer feel responsible for helping others in their communities. She criticized the trend of people recording domestic violence incidents for social media instead of helping or reporting them.

She said a good society should be built on care, courage, and the willingness to speak out against wrongdoing.

“No society can grow when neighbours ignore the suffering happening next door,” she said, urging Nigerians to return to the values of unity and shared responsibility.

She also addressed the Nigeria Police Force and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in Enugu State. She asked them to respond quickly and seriously to reports of domestic violence.

Obeke-Okoli strongly condemned the reported practice of asking victims to pay unofficial “mobilisation fees” before their cases are handled. She described this as unfair and harmful, adding that it causes more pain to victims who are already suffering.

She warned that any confirmed cases of extortion would be reported to higher authorities.

She emphasized that domestic violence is not just a problem in Enugu State but affects all 36 states in Nigeria. However, she believes Enugu can become a model for positive change.

Obeke-Okoli also announced plans to simplify and translate the VAPP Law into local languages so that people in rural areas and markets can understand their rights and know where to seek help.

Under the new leadership of AWLA in Enugu, she promised continuous community outreach, policy advocacy, and partnerships to promote peaceful and safe homes.

She concluded by saying that fighting domestic violence is both a legal duty and a moral responsibility. Legal reforms alone are not enough; Nigerians must also renew their values and work together.

With strong support from institutions, active communities, and continuous advocacy, Obeke-Okoli expressed confidence that Nigeria can reduce domestic violence and build safer homes for everyone.