Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, has linked the growing wave of domestic violence in Nigerian homes to worsening economic hardship.
Speaking on Friday, she lamented that financial strain and daily struggles have fueled rising tensions within families, often escalating into violence. According to her, many households are under pressure due to limited resources, unemployment, and the high cost of living, creating an environment where conflicts easily spiral out of control.
Mrs. Soludo stressed that while hardship plays a central role, domestic violence is unacceptable under any circumstance. She urged couples to seek healthier ways of resolving disputes rather than resorting to physical or emotional abuse. She also encouraged victims to speak out and seek help rather than remain silent out of fear or stigma.
Her remarks come amid nationwide concern over increasing cases of gender-based violence, with civil society groups and rights advocates warning that economic instability is compounding an already alarming situation.
Mrs. Soludo called for collective action by government, communities, and faith-based organizations to address both the root causes of hardship and the scourge of domestic abuse. She further appealed for stronger enforcement of laws protecting victims and stiffer penalties for offenders to serve as a deterrent.