Abusive childhoods, toxic homes fuel violent behaviour in most adults — DSVA boss, Vivour-Adeniyi

Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, discusses the prevalence of violent behavior among adults as a result of abusive childhoods and toxic home environments. She emphasizes that socio-cultural issues, mindsets, and socialization play a significant role in sustaining gender-based violence.

Stigma and victim-blaming also hinder survivors from seeking help, making it difficult to break the cycle of abuse. The agency provides psychosocial support, including therapy sessions, to address the psychological impacts of gender-based violence. Vivour-Adeniyi highlights the importance of breaking the intergenerational cycle of abuse by supporting children who have witnessed intimate partner violence, as many adult abusers have experienced similar abuse in their upbringing.