Domestic violence is common in many families in Benin. According to a survey carried out by the National Institute for Statistics and Economic Analysis, in 2020, almost 30% of Beninese women were victims of physical, sexual or emotional violence from their partner. Faced with this violence that notably affects unemployed women, how can survivors recover?
Rinaï (borrowed first name), the fortysomething laughed again at life after her painful experience of married life. “Iawarded him the Palme d’or for acts of violence: physical attacks, insults, threats, sexual abuse, she says about the man she lived with for 6 years. Even after we separated, Gaspard (not his real name) managed to get me to sign a document that made me relinquish my parental rights over my two daughters. Depriving a woman of her children is violence” Mother of four children, Rinaï, immersed in regret, admits that she was manipulated again.
Violence and women’s empowerment, an inseparable link
Economic dependence is the main reason for the violence suffered by many women. Without financial resources, the majority of victims find themselves in a state of insecurity. A stay-at-home mother and unemployed, Rinaï was unable to meet her own nutritional needs. Her ex-husband, the total master of the family, wholly prevented her from any professional life. “I had to get his authorization at least three days before I got a visit from my parents. I had 3 children and had to make do with 35,000 FCFA meals per month. What could we do with this money that did not cover our daily meals.My children and I lived precariously. Despite these prohibitions, I tried several times in vain to get a job,” She deals with big emotions.
A graduate in communications, however, Rinai has established herself professionally with a number of marketing service providers. Unfortunately, even her husband controlled her phone.His clients,after repeatedly suffering his arrogance,had to abandon him to his fate. Her ex-husband forbade them to contact her again.”He regularly took my cell phone and deleted the contacts he deemed suspicious. Especially the contacts of people who could give me work. I was also not supposed to receive calls after 8 pm”, she remembers with great bitterness.
sexual and spiritual violence
even though data on sexual violence in couples is limited in Benin, studies by the former national Institute of Statistics and Economic Analysis (now The National institute of Statistics and Demography) and Non-Profit Organizations Government studies show that sexual violence in couples’ relationships is frequent. They affect around 15% of women between the ages of 15 and 49, many of whom are involved in domestic abuse. “By Gaspard, I had to submit to all kinds of humiliating and disrespectful sexual practices,” Rinai complained.
Although she gave up putting up with this toxic relationship for the sake of her health and her children, the desire to end it came again and again. “Occult practices exist in our society to force people, especially women, to endure degrading situations without complaint. Everything happens in these cases as if they never had a brain to think. I had to take the ring he gave me off my finger to realize I was at the bottom of a hole.“.
Dialog and communication to get through?
According to psychologist Eric Gansa, this domestic violence is rooted in socio-cultural and economic constraints. In a patriarchal society like Benin, male dominance in the marital context is often seen as the norm. According to the psychologist, it is indeed arduous but not impractical to escape from these tendencies observed in the couple. The specialist recommends open and honest communication before and in marriage to untangle the violins in terms of the expectations of each member of the couple:
“It is essential that couples develop the ability to express their needs and frustrations in a non-violent manner. They must listen to each other, avoid judgments and accusations, and seek solutions together.They must also avoid frustrating comments and actions that are likely to lead to violence.“
What are the main societal challenges contributing to domestic violence in Benin?
Time.news Interview: Recovery and Resilience – A Conversation on Domestic Violence in Benin
Interviewer (time.news Editor): Welcome, everyone, to our special interview. Today, we’re diving into a deeply importent issue that affects many families in Benin: domestic violence. We’re joined by Dr. Adèle Koffi, a renowned sociologist and advocate for women’s rights in the region. Thank you for being here, Dr. Koffi.
Dr. Adèle Koffi: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to discuss this issue openly.
Interviewer: Recent statistics from the National Institute for Statistics and Economic Analysis reveal that nearly 30% of women in Benin have experienced some form of violence from their partners. What do you believe are the deeper societal causes behind such high figures?
Dr. Koffi: The numbers are alarming, but they reflect a systemic issue rooted in gender inequality, cultural norms, and economic dependency. Many women, especially those who are unemployed, feel trapped in violent relationships because they lack the resources to leave. This perpetuates a cycle of violence that can be extremely difficult to break.
Interviewer: That brings us to the story of Rinaï, who endured six years of violence before finally separating from her partner. She described her experience as awarding him a “Palme d’or for acts of violence.” what can be done to support survivors like her in their recovery journey?
Dr. Koffi: Recovery requires a multi-faceted approach. First, we need to create safe spaces for women to share their experiences and receive emotional support. Psychological counseling is essential to help survivors process their trauma. Also,legal support is crucial—many women,like Rinaï,find themselves facing obstacles in custody and parental rights even after leaving abusive partners.
Interviewer: Rinaï’s story also highlights how abusers can maintain control even after separation, such as through manipulative legal tactics. How can communities and lawmakers protect women from such situations?
Dr. Koffi: It requires both legislative action and community education. Lawmakers can create stronger laws to protect victims and ensure that abusive patterns are recognized in custody cases. education campaigns are vital to alter societal perceptions about domestic violence—it’s essential that communities understand that depriving a woman of her rights is a form of violence.
Interviewer: With domestic violence being prevalent, how can we encourage survivors to step forward and seek help?
Dr. Koffi: Stigma and fear frequently enough prevent women from coming forward. We need to foster an environment were speaking out is not just safe but encouraged. This can be achieved through community-driven initiatives that share stories of survival and empowerment. Also, awareness campaigns can illuminate available resources, making it clear that support is accessible and can lead to recovery.
Interviewer: what hope do you have for the future of women in Benin regarding this issue?
Dr. Koffi: my hope lies in a shift—through education, legislative reform, and community involvement. As we challenge harmful norms and address economic vulnerability, I believe we can empower women to reclaim their lives. Each story, like that of Rinaï, is a reminder of the resilience women possess, and together, we can build a safer future.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr.Koffi, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that while the road to recovery may be challenging, there are steps we can take as a society to support survivors and combat domestic violence.
Dr. Koffi: thank you for shedding light on this vital topic. Together, we can foster change.
interviewer: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Let’s continue the conversation and support those affected by domestic violence in Benin and beyond.