IBADAN, NIGERIA — A report has highlighted the urgent need to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Oyo State. It focused on forced economic dependence, a form of SGBV where partners restrict access to income.
The report was released on Sunday by the Oyo State Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Team. It said many women are trapped in abusive relationships because they have no financial independence.
Forced Economic Dependence
The report said forced economic dependence is a common but often overlooked form of abuse. It said partners deny their spouses access to income, bank accounts, and property.
This leaves the victims with no means to support themselves or their children. They become entirely dependent on their abusers.
“Many women cannot leave abusive relationships because they have no money. They are trapped. This is a form of violence that must be addressed,” a member of the response team said.
Impact on Survivors
The report said forced economic dependence has devastating effects on survivors. It affects their mental health, their physical well-being, and their ability to care for their children.
Some survivors said they were forced to beg for money to buy food and other necessities. Others said they were denied access to their own earnings.
“I worked for years, but my husband controlled all the money. I could not buy anything without his permission. When I tried to leave, I had nothing,” a survivor said.
Call for Support
The response team called for urgent support for survivors. It urged the government to provide financial assistance, skills training, and legal aid.
It also called for the enforcement of laws that protect women’s economic rights. It said abusers should be prosecuted.
“We need to empower survivors. They need resources to rebuild their lives. We also need to hold abusers accountable,” the team said.
What This Means
Forced economic dependence is a serious form of SGBV. It violates women’s rights and denies them the opportunity to live free and dignified lives.
The report highlights the need for comprehensive support for survivors. It also underscores the importance of economic empowerment for women.
What Happens Next
The Oyo State Government said it will review the report. It said it will develop policies to address the issue.
For now, the response team has urged survivors to seek help. It provided a hotline for those in need of support.
