By Vaye A. Lepolu
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Vice President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor-Kelley, has called for stronger action to combat domestic violence and enhance the protection of women’s and girls’ rights across Liberia.
Speaking at a one-day seminar organized by God’s Family Church International in the ELWA Community, Paynesville City, Cllr. Taylor-Kelley urged churches, families, and communities to take a more active role in addressing abuse and supporting survivors.
The seminar, held under the theme “Exploring the Cycle of Abuse in Marriage: Causes, Effects, and Solutions,” brought together women from various backgrounds to discuss the causes, consequences, and prevention of domestic violence.
During her presentation, Cllr. Taylor-Kelley educated participants on how to recognize signs of abuse in marriage and informed them about available support services, including legal aid, psychosocial counseling, and healthcare assistance.
She emphasized that every woman, including Christian women, has fundamental rights that must be respected and protected. According to her, domestic violence remains a serious challenge that often goes unreported due to societal pressures and the reluctance of victims to speak out.
The AFELL Vice President criticized the culture of silence surrounding domestic abuse, noting that many survivors are encouraged to remain in abusive relationships while offenders frequently avoid accountability.
“Abuse should never be tolerated, justified, or hidden,” she told participants, urging religious leaders to continue preaching against domestic violence and to stand with survivors seeking safety and justice.
Cllr. Taylor-Kelley also encouraged husbands to demonstrate love, care, and respect toward their wives, stressing that healthy marriages should be built on mutual respect and Christian values.
“Marriage is meant to be enjoyed, not endured,” she declared.
She concluded by calling for collective action from churches, communities, government institutions, and families to break the cycle of abuse and create safer environments for women and girls throughout Liberia.
The seminar forms part of ongoing efforts by AFELL and its partners to promote gender justice, protect women’s rights, and raise awareness about domestic violence within faith-based communities.
