Cultural Context of Domestic Violence amongst Africans in the Diaspora

Relationships and family lives are often glossed up by society and the media as though that is the reality for everyone, yet if we really held the mirror closer against our own society, a disturbing picture of abuse and sometimes violent reality emerges. In the midst of all this are children, who in the absence of any structured and meaningful love and guidance at home, go on to develop mal-adaptive behaviors that will shape their lives and personalities as they develop.

In turn parents may develop poor, authoritative parenting skills, or plain abuse and neglect as the ripple effect of this trauma begins to manifest itself into complex family problems. Some of the effects of this trauma will have lifetime effects and reproduce themselves in future generations.

Over the years I have heard comments such as ‘why doesn’t she just leave’ or stereotypical comments such as ‘that’s how African men treat women.’ Some of these comments are silent; some come from within ourselves, and some from within our own African communities. Although there is a wide body of initiatives and guidelines to further our knowledge on domestic violence, in fact very little is known or has been explored about the context in which African women and men suffer domestic violence.

Ridiculous! The Assam Rape Festival In #India Has Begun This Week

This isn't only disgusting, it's shameful that a country is setting aside a festival to celebrate men raping women. I mean, in this generation where we are fighting to #EndRape, some people are celebrating the act. They even included an hotline for people who wants to participate. This one pass me, please read more. 

According to the National Report, men in India are already beginning to celebrate as the annual Assam Rape Festival is just days away. Every non-married girl age 7-16 will have the chance to flee to safety or get raped.

#Nigeria: The Oba, His Libido and The Law

On October 8, an Osun High Court discharged and acquitted Oba Adebukola Alii, the Alowa of llowa-Ijesa, Osun State, of rape charges.

But the same court lampooned the accused for sexual rascality that brought shame to himself, his family and his kingdom.

The court said the Oba was morally culpable. But by law, he was in the clear: it had insufficient evidence to nail him for rape.

If indeed the law is codified morality, then that “dual” judgment leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.

The court lamented the absence, as damning evidence, of stained bed sheets (which the accused would have gleefully surrendered), tom underpants and medical reports confirming forced penetration – and possible bruises – to prove rape.

Rape Of NYSC Girl: Court Frees King, Says It Was Not Rape

A Nigerian court has discharged and acquitted the traditional ruler of Ilowa Ijesa, Oba Adebukola Alli, in the Nigerian state of Osun, over an allegation of raping a National Youth Service Corps member.

Justice Oyejide Falola of the Osun State High Court sitting in Ikirun gave the verdict on Tuesday, putting an end to a three-year sexual case that has brought national attention on the traditional king, and his accuser, the beautiful Miss Helen Okpara.

The Judge said Miss Okpara failed to show bruises on her private part as evidence that she was raped.