The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has raised concern over a lesser-known yet harmful form of domestic abuse, malice-keeping in marriages, warning that the act of deliberate emotional withdrawal is a dangerous form of gender-based violence (GBV) that deserves urgent attention.
Speaking at a peer-learning and experiential sharing dialogue held in Lagos, FIDA described malice-keeping as a silent but severe psychological abuse that is often normalised in homes and ignored in public discourse.
The event, themed “From Experience to Impact: Strengthening GBV Prevention Through Shared Learning,” brought together traditional rulers, faith leaders, and government actors to exchange insights on combating GBV at the grassroots level. It was supported by the Ford Foundation.
According to FIDA, malice-keeping, where a partner intentionally ignores, distances, or refuses to communicate with the other, has devastating effects on mental health, particularly for women who are often at the receiving end.
“This subtle form of violence chips away at the victim’s self-esteem and emotional stability,” FIDA warned, adding that communities, policymakers, and religious bodies must treat emotional abuse with the same seriousness as physical or sexual violence.
Deputy Director of Social Welfare at the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs Olafisayo Alani, urged survivors and observers of GBV to speak up, stressing the importance of timely intervention.
“Whenever we have any case of GBV, just dial our hotline 767 to make a report.
“It’s toll-free and anonymous. Don’t keep quiet if you witness abuse in your community, report it.”
However, legal experts at the event highlighted the difficulty in prosecuting GBV cases, particularly sexual offences, due to survivors’ fear of public exposure and retaliation.
Chief Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi explained, “A lot of perpetrators escape justice because survivors don’t want to appear in court.
“This reluctance undermines the entire legal process.”
She encouraged survivors to make use of protective legal provisions under the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2021.
“The law allows for in-camera testimony to shield survivors from public scrutiny and shame.
“This is a game-changer for ensuring justice without compromising the survivor’s dignity,” Osunsanmi said.
In her opening remarks, FIDA’s Vice National President, Mrs Eliana Martins, represented by the National Financial Secretary, Mrs Philomena Nneji, said the dialogue was part of an ongoing effort to empower local leaders to challenge harmful gender norms and promote gender equality.
“This forum builds on previous engagements held between October 2024 and June 2025.
“Our goal is to equip stakeholders with the practical tools to foster gender justice in their communities,” Martins said.
She noted that the dialogue also serves as an opportunity to measure impact, share experiences, and document success stories from the field.
“Through this exchange, we can understand the realities faced in GBV prevention and tailor future interventions accordingly,” Martins added while thanking the Ford Foundation for its continued support.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of FIDA Ikeja Branch, Mrs Nnenna Eze, revealed that the organisation had recorded a 65 per cent success rate in its anti-GBV initiatives but emphasised the need for collective responsibility.
“We must continue to amplify our progress and push for sustainability.
“Protecting women and girls from violence and discrimination requires consistent, united action,” Eze stated.
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