Domestic violence: Minister advocates psychiatric test as compulsory marriage requirement

Pauline Tallen, minister of women affairs, says she would push for psychiatric tests to be made a compulsory marriage requirement to curb issues of gender-based violence (GBV).

In a statement issued on Friday, Tallen expressed concern over the recent increase in the cases of gender-based violence in the country.

TheCable had earlier reported how Osinachi Nwachukwu, the late gospel singer, was alleged to have been a victim of domestic violence.

The minister said such violent issues will not be tolerated, adding that stakeholders should be more cautious in dealing with GBV cases.

“From the north and south, east and west, several cases are reported daily and there is the need for us to remind the masses that due process is in place to address every one of these cases,” she said.

“We can no longer be silent and watch our society degenerate to a level where GBV is practised with impunity.

“As a first step to ensuring that we bring an end to this issue, I will initiate a conversation with the honourable minister of interior to ensure that psychiatric tests are made compulsory as part of marriage requirements in the country.

“The families make up the society and everyone comes from a family. Mothers are the bedrock of the family and custodians of family traditions.

“We must play our part in moulding our male children to become better adults who can take on marital responsibilities without feeling insecure. We must put an end to the culture of reinforcing male dominance in society

“Our society must move with the realities of the times. We can no longer tolerate wickedness, greed, envy and malicious acts under the guise of culture.

“In this regard, I want to appeal to all leaders in our society to be more sensitive with the way they execute their activities and utilise the powers bestowed on them.

“The mindset and formation of our young ones require support of the entire society. From teachers to doctors, health care providers to fathers and mothers, older siblings and relatives.”