by Ms. Sandra Anyoha, RN, MSN, MPH

No one deserves to be abused. Nigerian Nurses are committed to stopping abuse and violence through identification, education and awareness training. Programs will be developed for members and the community at large. No longer should victims keep secrets.  Secrets can kill.

See below for an official statement from NANNNA.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: A CALL FOR ACTION IN THE NIGERIAN COMMUNITIES IN AMERICA: OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN NURSES OF NORTH AMERICA (NANNNA)

10/01/08

The recent sad cases of domestic violence victims that ended in deaths in the Nigerian Communities in America has prompted the need for effective programs and strategic collaborations to prevent this epidemics that is burning through our community.

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses of North America (NANNNA) (An organization representing all Nigerian Nurses Association in USA and Canada) is strongly against domestic violence and will go to any length to address this situation.

Domestic violence is a serious problem around the world. Domestic Violence is a pattern of physical and psychological abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation or economic coercion used by one person to exert power and control of a dating, family or household relationship. Many people view domestic violence as exclusively part of certain ethnic or racial communities, or as unique to certain classes, within their societies. Research shows domestic violence occurs in all social, economic, religious and cultural groups. Domestic violence encompasses partner violence, family violence, spouse abuse, child abuse, battering, exploitation and wife beating. A culture of silence reinforces the stigma attached to the victim rather than condemning the perpetrator of such crimes. Ending domestic violence requires changing attitudes that permit such abuse. As such, NANNNA is proposing various programs that will help prevent domestic violence and help those that are already in a domestic violence situation.
Domestic violence violates the fundamental human rights of women and men and often results in serious injury or death.

Domestic violence affects women’s well-being and the health, nutrition and education of children who experience it and children who witness it. In the context of gender inequality, women’s response to abuse reflects their relatively fewer options to change or leave the relationship and their assessment of how best to protect themselves and their children. Ending domestic violence requires changing attitudes that permit such abuse.

In Nigeria, men are unquestionably the head of the household. They provide for the financial needs of the family, while women take care of the home and children with help from a nanny and a maid. In the United States of America, the culture is different in that men and women can be equal partners in a marriage regardless of who the financial breadwinner is. Economic stress is a f actor that can lead to marriage strain. It is imperative that partners in a marriage have resources that enable them to deal with stress. Moving to a new country is big stress on its own. Also social alienation can lead to depression if it persists for a long time. Joining a social organization, attending a worship center are ways to integrate into the system.

Strategies for the Future

The NANNNA recognizes that others have voiced concerns about DOMESTIC VIOLENCE in our community and that many organizations have identified gaps, made recommendations and implemented strategies to address domestic violence issues. Many of these recommendations are relevant today.

However, in order to encourage strategies and programs appropriate to the Nigerian community, Nigerian organizations (professional and social), churches, mosques, public, Nigerian Consulates, policy makers must engage in ongoing long-term planning and programs. Without measures to reverse the trends discussed above, the Nigerian community is in danger r of experiencing more deaths from domestic violence. Therefore, the following recommendations are made to address a number of concerns.

Education and awareness

• Educating the Nigerian community about “God first, family second, and career, third…” mind set.
• Educational program for Nigerian men married to nurses and for nurses themselves
• Educational programs for Nigerian youths on building self esteem
• Using as many Nigerian news media to denounce domestic violence, provide statistics, and possible preventive measures
• Provide information on available resources that could help members of the Nigerian community
• Reach out to youth (ages 12 to 18) through youth organizations, schools and other outlets to promote love, respect, and self confidence

Community activities

• Implement specific strategies to reach out to Nigerian community organizations, such as:
  • Introduce collaborative programs among Nigerian organizations
  • Rewarding experienced families for serving as mentors for new married couples
  • Develop and implement Family programs for Nigerian communities
• Create a partnership environment that advances culture of respect, love, togetherness and support:
  • Establish elders council that include all Nigerian Organizations
  • Establish and staff a Nigerian Community Resource Center
  • Provide a forum for Nigerians to meet and discuss issues affecting the Nigerian community
  • Build support system for social and financial empowerment

Legislation and Regulation

• Advocate for better identification or recognition of Nigerian community and other support systems for Nigerian community.
• Provide education on regulations and laws about domestic violence

Technology, Research and Data Collection

• Promote consistent data collection at the national, state and local level to account for variations at each level to enable appropriate planning and implementation of programs.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Sandra Anyoha, RN, MSN, MPH,

General Secretary,

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses of North America (NANNNA)

Tel: 203-521-5434(cell)

E-mail: sanyoha@sbcglobal.net