In a move to challenge long-held societal norms and broaden conversations on domestic violence, the College of Law, McPherson University, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, held its maiden College of Law Lecture Series, where legal scholars and stakeholders advocated a more inclusive socio-legal approach to addressing domestic violence and protecting victims irrespective of gender.
Chairman, Local Organising Committee for the lecture, Dr. Abimbola Sokoya, described domestic violence as a toxic and reprehensible social menace that continues to affect families and communities. He noted that while public discourse has traditionally focused on violence against women, there is a need for broader engagement that interrogates the complexities and stereotypes surrounding the issue. He said the lecture provides an avenue for critical reflection on a subject that remains sensitive and often controversial, and introduced the guest lecturer, Professor Babafemi Odunsi, as a distinguished scholar whose expertise would enrich the discourse.
Welcoming participants to the event, the Acting Dean of the College of Law, Dr. Oluwanike Oguntokun, expressed appreciation to the University Management and attendees for their support. She said the lecture series was established to promote academic excellence and stimulate intellectual engagement on contemporary legal issues. According to her, although discussions on domestic violence have often centred on women, there is a growing need to adopt a broader perspective that recognises all victims and the complexities of the issue.
The Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, Prof. Francis Igbasan, described the lecture as a milestone for the College of Law and a reflection of the University’s commitment to scholarship and societal development. He observed that while domestic violence discourse in Nigeria and across Africa has largely focused on women as victims, intimate partner violence affects families and communities regardless of gender.
Delivering the lecture titled, “As Wives, Too, Beat Husbands: Another Look at the Socio-Legal Narratives of Domestic Violence,” Professor Babafemi Odunsi of Obafemi Awolowo University examined the issue from historical, legal, and sociological perspectives. Drawing from global data and comparative case studies, he described domestic violence as a human rights concern that transcends gender classifications.
He highlighted instances of female-on-male domestic violence and noted that underreporting is often driven by stigma, cultural expectations of masculinity, fear of ridicule, economic dependence, and concerns over child custody. He further observed that institutional bias and limited support systems contribute to the silence surrounding male victims. He called for equal protection for all victims under the law and a more balanced socio-legal response to domestic violence.
The lecturer further advocated stronger legal frameworks, increased public awareness, training for law enforcement officers, and the establishment of support centres for victims of domestic violence. He stressed the need to dismantle stereotypes that prevent victims from speaking out and to ensure fair and effective responses to all cases.
The lecture, which featured an interactive question-and-answer session, deepened engagement on issues relating to domestic violence, gender perceptions, legal protections, and institutional responses, sparking robust intellectual exchange among participants.
