Group Launches Campaign Against Intimate Partner Violence

A civil society organisation, Citizens’ Gavel, has launched a campaign against intimate partner violence (IPV) in Nigeria.

The campaign will use intimate relationship indicators screening(IRIS), a digital behavioural assessment tool that will be customised and integrated into the pre-marital counselling processes of interested churches.

Citizens’ Gavel, in a statement by its programme lead, Oluwatosin Ariyo, said that at a time when IPV continues to affect countless homes across Nigeria, IRIS represented a shift from reactive responses to proactive and early-stage prevention.

It said over the years, its work had revealed a recurring pattern as many survivors of domestic violence remain in abusive relationships due to emotional dependency, financial limitations and cultural expectations or fear of stigma.

“In most cases, intervention only occurs after serious emotional, psychological, or physical harm has already taken place.

This campaign aims to change this trajectory. Individuals and couples would be empowered to identify unhealthy behavioural patterns early and intentionally work to adjust and correct them through carefully curated behavioural corrective modules.

“The goal is to encourage personal growth, improve partner awareness, and healthier relationship outcomes before such behaviours escalate into violence or abuse.

“The goal of IRIS will not be fault-finding or labelling, but growth. As a diagnostic tool, it will be built on the understanding that healthy relationships require self-awareness, accountability, and intentional effort. By helping users recognise behaviours that may be harmful to their partner or the relationship, IRIS aims to encourage individuals to actively work on themselves, become better partners, and ultimately strengthen their relationships.

“IRIS will be developed in collaboration with marriage counsellors and certified behavioural and clinical psychologists. It will make use of subtle, research-backed questions to assess core areas that cause friction in relationship dynamics, emotional regulation, communication styles, and conflict management.

“A major strength of IRIS will be its practical, solution-driven support. For every flagged concern, users will be provided with tailored, scripture-based learning modules developed with insight from experienced faith leaders and counsellors. These modules will offer clear, values-driven guidance rooted in biblical principles, aimed at supporting personal growth, behavioural change, and healthier relational outcomes,” the statement reads in parts,” the group said.