Experts Urge Financial Independence as Key to Breaking Free from Domestic Abuse

Financial dependency has been identified as one of the major reasons many victims of gender-based violence remain trapped in abusive relationships, experts said at a survivor’s forum organised by Project Alert on Thursday in Lagos.

The event, held in commemoration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, honoured survivors and remembered victims who lost their lives to domestic abuse.

Founder of Kudimata Nigeria Limited, Kathleen Erhimu, speaking on “Building Financial Strength After Surviving Violence,” stressed that lack of financial independence often keeps women in abusive homes.

> “Every woman must have something doing. Dependence on husbands or family members keeps survivors trapped in cycles of abuse,” she said.



Erhimu explained that beyond physical and sexual violence, financial control is a powerful tool abusers use to dominate victims.

> “When a woman controls her money, she controls her choices. Financial strength is not just about money; it’s about confidence, control, and choice,” she added.



She encouraged survivors to learn income-generating skills, start small businesses, and maintain financial discipline as part of their recovery process.

> “Save smartly, acquire skills—whether digital or vocational—focus on your goals, and build resilience,” she advised.



Executive Director of Project Alert, Dr. Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, emphasised that the home should never be a place of fear.

> “When going home makes your heart race in fear, then something is wrong. The home should be safe,” she said.



Effah-Chukwuma condemned the multiple forms of abuse survivors endure, including economic violence, which she said worsens trauma and hampers recovery. She also decried the abuse of widows who face violence from in-laws after losing their husbands.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Sex Therapist, Dr. Pamela Udoka, speaking on “Healing Survivors’ Wounds: Empowerment, Recovery and Hope for Survival,” noted that trauma often leaves invisible emotional scars.

> “There are wounds you cannot touch — emotional scars that deeply affect daily life. Survivors must take healing one step at a time,” she said.



Udoka urged survivors to avoid prolonged isolation, warning it could lead to depression.

> “Recovery isn’t instant; it’s a journey. As long as you’re alive, you can rebuild and achieve better things,” she encouraged.



Representing the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Tunminu Oni, on behalf of Executive Secretary Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting survivors through collaboration with Project Alert.

> “You are healing well with their assistance, and we are ready to do more. Apply what you’ve learned today and move from survival to strength,” she said.