The centre described the trend as unacceptable and demanded urgent action to end the scourge.
In a statement by the Executive Director of the centre, Michael Gbarale, which was obtained by our correspondent on Friday, the centre said men who are victims of domestic violence should be protected by the laws of the land.
It partly read, “The recent rise of cases of wives assaulting their husbands in Rivers State is a clear indication of the urgent need for action. This trend is unacceptable and condemnable in every sense. Every citizen of this country is entitled to the protection of the law, and this includes men who are victims of domestic violence.”
He called on law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable of domestic violence respective of their gender.
“We also call on law enforcement agencies to take the necessary steps to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, regardless of the gender of the victim. We believe that this will send a strong message that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our society and perpetrators will be made to face the full wrath of the law, “the statement added.
He, however, commended the Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA for its timely condemnation of wives’ assault on men in Rivers State.
Gbarale said, “FIDA’s commitment to fighting for the rights of all, irrespective of gender, is exemplary. By taking a stand against the assault of men by their wives, FIDA has demonstrated the principle of equality of the law as enshrined in the VAPP ACTS.”
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