By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Clinical Psychologist, Ophelia Boma Azure has offered answers as to why most victims of abuse as well as witnesses fail to report to the appropriate authorities.
According to her, many victims feel trapped and silenced by societal expectations, fear of retaliation, and lack of support. In many cultures, women are socialized to prioritize their family’s well-being over their own, leading to the normalization of abusive behaviors.
“If you want to be a respected feminine in society, you have to really sacrifice your wellbeing and mental health in order to preserve your home”, she explained.
Speaking on GTV breakfast show on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Madam Azure stated that victims often face significant barriers to reporting abuse, including fear of further harm, shame, and concerns about the consequences of speaking out.
She added that perpetrators may use their power, influence, and resources to intimidate or silence their victims, making it even more challenging for them to seek help.
Witnesses and community members may also be reluctant to get involved, citing concerns about the financial and emotional burdens of supporting the victim. This can lead to a culture of silence and complicity, allowing abuse to continue unchecked.
“Victims usually do not complain or report abuses because they’re considering their personal safety and the social cost, personal safety in terms of they being harmed again once the abusers know of it.
People in society too who are witnesses to these abusers do not do the needful because sometimes you have to take the abused person to the hospital, you have to foot the bills, sometimes going to witness in the court, so it deters neighbors from coming forward with the truth”, she added.
She also mentioned how most victims are manipulated to stay in relationships with the notion that their partners abusing them is their way of showing affection.
“When it comes to violence in relationships, it’s kind of like it’s been normalized, like, if I love you, I’m going to show you how much I love you by physically assaulting you or something”.
The clinical psychologist also emphasized the need for robust support systems, including protection for witnesses and victims, as well as efforts to address the root causes of domestic violence. This includes promoting healthy relationships, challenging societal norms, and providing accessible resources for those affected.
“We really have to work hard to protect witnesses and victims because there are times, perpetrators have the power and the money and the influence to bribe, to even cause harm to the victim”.
