CERTAINLY, domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions and, given its almost daily occurrences – its rise seems set to continue unabated. That we have been highlighting this brutal act in a number of editorials, is because it is a clear threat to the very existence of the  important institution of the family, with the attendant consequences  which will culminate when the woman suffers either the ultimate tragedy, or crippling injuries, or continues to be battered in the presence of her family.

There has been this  offered  line, a sort of defence, that attention ought to be paid to the frustrations suffered by men, since these are what might be responsible for  some of  the attacks on their womenfolk.
No one doubts that men do have their share of interpersonal frustrations, and are unable to effect solutions, but accounts of this category resorting to such murderous acts are virtually negligible. In fact, the overwhelming evidence, thus far, is of women being brutalised for years at the hands of their husbands/companions, often suffering injuries, until their lives are finally extinguished. What is so painful about these incidents, is the often spontaneous nature of the attacks, that reeks of sadistic behaviour.
The reasons given by the numerous victims, many of whom before they die, are explanations of men who are either swollen by great fits of jealousy, accusations of infidelity, anger management problems, and the well known alcoholic cause.
Of course, the reasons alluded to are well known and are perennial problems that are part and parcel of many couples’ lives. Surely, there are a number of social bodies that have been established, where both sexes can repair, for advice and guidance. Based on information, affected women do mostly seek assistance from these groups. Even the church, as exemplified by a particular television, do receive women seeking spiritual solutions.
For whatever reasons as perceived by such category of men – abusing their womenfolk, battering to be specific, is not the solution. It is not only  a grave act of  inhuman behaviour and cruelty, but  first of all a degradation to manhood, in his role as protector of the female, in which he is mandated to make her emotionally comfortable, and give love. Secondly, with every act of abuse, he reduces her dignity, and very important role of motherhood. Thirdly, his cruel acts, gradually undermines the family foundation, with the children becoming traumatised. This especially, sets in train a series of dangerous, psychological events that numbingly affect not only these trapped children’s scholastic performance, but distorts the role of manhood/fatherhood in their young minds.
But by far, the often physical and disabling injuries, suffered by these victims are what are destructive to the family’s socio-economic foundation, since most of these women are important contributors to their families’ well-being. It is excruciating in any family for children to have to observe their mother reduced to levels of irreparable disability.  This has a crushing effect on these children’s daily lives.
These are the hellish nightmares of domestic violence through which numerous numbers of the nation’s women and their children live each day. This particular brutal and vicious criminality is a major, pivotal cause of the daily destruction of family life.  If the perpetrators have any bit of humanity remaining, coupled with the courage of their minds, they would pause and take serious stock of the tragedies which their wanton cruelties have been causing, and  immediately cease their bestiality.