Fear, cultural pressure, and economic dependence, continue to hinder many survivors of family and sexual violence from reporting abuse, despite the availability of police and support services.

Acting Director of the Police Family Sexual Violence Directorate (FSVD), Chief Sergeant Eremugo Job said that many women come forward only when violence has escalated to life-threatening levels.

“Some survivors wait until the abuse becomes very serious or until someone is badly injured or killed which by then, may already be too late,” said Chief Sergeant Job.

The barrier to reporting is often built on the fear of retaliation from both perpetrators and their extended families.

“Women are threatened by their partners, pressured by family members and frightened that violence will continue or even lead to death if they report.”

Chief Sergeant Job said cultural practices including bride price, play a significant role in silencing survivors.

“Because bride price has been paid, some families believe the woman must submit no matter how badly she is beaten.”

“This suppresses her right to speak and seek help.”

Economic dependence is another major factor. Because many women are unemployed and rely on their husband as the sole breadwinner, they fear losing financial support for their children if the man is arrested.

According to the FSVD, survivors also withdraw cases due to family pressure, mediation arrangements and compensation payments made outside the justice system.

“Some cases are withdrawn because families want to sort the matter out of court.”

“Others are compensated before the survivor returns to withdraw the case.”

Chief Sergeant Job stated that survivors often request only an Interim Protection Order instead of criminal charges, hoping the violence will stop.

“Most women still love their husbands. They want the violence to stop, not to destroy their family. They want their men to change.”

However, he warned that withdrawing cases often leaves survivors vulnerable.

“When cases are withdrawn, perpetrators may return to the same behavior, sometimes worse than before.”

The impact of domestic violence extends beyond the immediate victim and affects entire families and communities.

“Children go hungry, miss school, suffer trauma, and families break apart.”

“When a father is in custody or injured, the whole household suffers.”

Moreover, he stressed that addressing family and sexual violence requires collective action and long-term commitment.

“We need strong advocacy and awareness everywhere, schools, churches, workplaces, communities and through the media.”

He also called for legal and cultural reforms to strengthen protection for survivors.

“We must change harmful beliefs, promote shared gender responsibility and reconsider practices like bride price that suppress women’s voices.”

Meanwhile, he urged survivors to seek help early and confidentially and to report the matter at the first sign of abuse.

“Share your problem with someone you trust and let the police and our partner agencies protect you.”

Furthermore, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Family Sexual Violence Directorate to survivors across the country.

“Family Violence Police are here to protect lives. We will guide and protect survivors until their case is finalized in court.”