Crime
Experts Explain Why Domestic Violence Victims Remain Trapped in Abusive Relationships
Despite rising awareness about domestic violence, many victims remain stuck in abusive relationships. Experts say a mix of fear, financial hardship, emotional control, and social pressure often traps victims, making it difficult for them to leave their abusers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking with The Punch, family therapists and gender rights advocates said leaving an abusive relationship is never as simple as it appears from the outside.
Fear and intimidation
Psychologist Dr. Chika Obasi explained that fear is the strongest weapon abusers use to control their victims. “Most victims stay because they are afraid of what will happen if they leave,” she said. “Many abusers threaten to harm their partner, their children, or even themselves if the victim tries to go.”
According to her, victims often believe these threats and feel it is safer to stay. “Statistics show that the most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim is when they attempt to leave,” she added.
Financial dependence
Experts also pointed to economic dependence as another key reason victims remain. Gender advocate Mrs. Funmi Adewale said financial control is a common form of abuse. “Many victims cannot leave because they don’t have access to money. Their partners might stop them from working or seize their income,” she said.
Adewale noted that without financial independence, victims struggle to rent a home, feed their children, or even pay transport to a safe location. “Some abusers go as far as putting debts in their partners’ names, leaving them financially trapped,” she added.
Emotional manipulation and self-blame
Therapists say emotional abuse can be just as powerful as physical violence. Over time, victims may lose confidence and begin to blame themselves for the abuse.
“Abusers often convince victims that they caused the violence or that nobody else will love them,” explained Lagos-based counselor Bisi Ajayi. “This emotional manipulation creates what we call ‘trauma bonding’ — a strong attachment that makes the victim feel they can’t live without the abuser.”
Ajayi added that this cycle of fear and affection keeps victims in constant confusion. “After every attack, the abuser apologizes, cries, or promises to change. Victims start hoping things will get better, even though the violence continues,” she said.
Social and cultural pressure
In many communities, victims also face pressure from family, religious groups, or society to stay married no matter what.
“Some women are told to be patient and pray harder,” said human rights lawyer Tola Olatunji. “Religious and cultural beliefs sometimes discourage separation, even when lives are at risk.”
Olatunji stressed that such attitudes make victims fear judgment or shame if they leave. “They worry about being called failures or being blamed for destroying the home,” she said.
Children and ongoing danger
Experts also noted that having children can make leaving more complicated. Victims may fear losing custody or believe staying will protect their children from trauma.
Even after separation, abuse can continue. Some abusers stalk or harass their former partners to maintain control. “Leaving does not always end the violence,” Olatunji said. “That’s why many victims prefer to endure quietly.”
Support systems needed
Experts say breaking this cycle requires strong social and legal support. They called for more safe houses, financial assistance, and counseling centers across Nigeria to help victims rebuild their lives.
“Society must stop blaming victims and start protecting them,” Adewale said. “Domestic violence is not a private matter — it’s a public health and human rights issue.”
They also urged government agencies and communities to provide confidential hotlines, free legal aid, and awareness campaigns to help victims seek help safely.
“Victims don’t stay because they want to,” Ajayi said. “They stay because they feel they have no choice. Our job is to make sure they do.”
According to Nivo News, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomed 5,000 new members in Abia State on Saturday, following the recent entry of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The mass defection was led by Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Accord Party, in his hometown of Umuaku, Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. Supporters who joined him also left their former political affiliations, including the South East Mandate for Good Governance, to align with the ADC.
Nwankpa explained that his decision to join the ADC was driven by a strong conviction, noting that the party’s manifesto resonates with his political philosophy, emphasizing people-oriented governance, social justice, and sustainable development. He described the ADC as a credible, progressive platform capable of fostering inclusive governance and rebuilding public trust in Nigerian politics.
The Abia State Chairman of the ADC, Don Norman Obinna, formally welcomed Nwankpa and his followers, stating that the country’s political trajectory is increasingly favoring the ADC.
The Abia State Police Command has reported the arrest of 809 suspects and the recovery of 88 firearms in 438 cases across the state from January 2025 to date.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa provided the update on Friday during a briefing at his office, outlining the operational strategies and achievements of the Command during the period under review. He disclosed that 435 rounds of ammunition were recovered from suspected criminals and that over 200 suspects have been successfully prosecuted, with several jailed for various offenses.
The CP further revealed that 33 children who had been kidnapped or trafficked were rescued within and outside the state, with the suspects involved prosecuted and some already imprisoned. “We have sent a lot of people to jail. A clear message has been passed that it is no longer business as usual for criminals in Abia State,” Isa stated.
He highlighted that the state’s crime rate has declined under his leadership, attributing the success to support from Governor Alex Otti, provision of logistics, and collaboration with community stakeholders. Isa also noted that officers encountered non-state actors on several occasions, who were neutralized and disarmed.
The Police Commissioner urged residents to continue providing credible information on suspicious activities to further strengthen the fight against crime. Firearms and other weapons recovered from suspects were displayed at the Police headquarters in Umuahia for the media.
According to Nivo News, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC) has arrested high-profile cybercrime suspects linked to a sophisticated Microsoft 365 phishing operation that targeted the email systems of major corporate organisations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The arrests followed actionable intelligence received from Microsoft Corporation in the United States through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which exposed the deployment of an advanced phishing toolkit known as RaccoonO365. The toolkit was designed to create counterfeit Microsoft login pages capable of harvesting user credentials and unlawfully accessing corporate, financial, and educational email platforms.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the cybercrime centre launched a coordinated, intelligence-led operation in partnership with Microsoft, the FBI, and the United States Secret Service. He explained that investigations traced multiple cases of unauthorised Microsoft 365 account access recorded between January and September 2025 to phishing emails crafted to closely mimic legitimate Microsoft authentication portals.
According to police findings, the cyberattacks resulted in business email compromise, data breaches, and significant financial losses across several jurisdictions. Acting on precise intelligence, NPF–NCCC operatives conducted targeted operations in Lagos and Edo states, leading to the arrest of three suspects. Searches carried out at their residences yielded laptops, mobile phones, and other digital devices, which forensic analysis directly linked to the fraudulent activities.
Further investigations identified Okitipi Samuel, also known by the aliases “RaccoonO365” and “Moses Felix,” as the principal suspect and alleged developer of the phishing infrastructure. Police said he operated a Telegram channel through which phishing links were sold in exchange for cryptocurrency and hosted fake login portals on Cloudflare using stolen or fraudulently obtained email credentials.
The police clarified that there was no evidence connecting the two other arrested individuals to the creation or management of the phishing scheme. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s digital environment through the use of advanced technology, enhanced international cooperation, and thorough investigative and prosecutorial processes aimed at combating evolving cyber threats.
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