'Grab her by the neck': TV host slammed for domestic violence demonstration

A TV presenter in Cameroon has demonstrated how to "calm" a woman by squeezing her neck.

Presenter Ernest Obama demonstrated the violent act on television.

Presenter Ernest Obama demonstrated the violent act on television. Source: Supplied

A television show that featured a demonstration of how to physically abuse women has sparked outrage in Cameroon.

The presenter of the show, on the privately-owned Vision4 channel, demonstrated how to "calm" a woman by squeezing her neck.

"Grab her by the neck and press on it," Ernest Obama told viewers as he flexed his hand, to on-air laughter from fellow journalists.

"The more she talks the more you press."

Cameroonian activists said Mr Obama's comments on the show, which were broadcast last week, contributed to a culture in which violence against women was seen as acceptable.

"We say no to violence," RENATA spokeswoman Cathy Aba Fouda said.

RENATA is a network of more than 21,000 volunteers who help victims of sexual abuse and violence rebuild their lives.

"Violence is not just sexual, it is also physical, moral, economic, but it starts with words," she added.
Mr Obama denied advocating violence against women and defended the show, saying it was designed to educate viewers.

"It's a program where we talk about social topics to educate people," he said in a telephone interview.

"We talked about a case of a fight between a husband and his wife. And the wife had caught the husband by the testicles," he said.

"My colleague talked about what one should do in case a woman grabs you by the balls, he suggested giving her a violent punch. I said ... you should maybe rather hit her somewhere where it hurts less and which will not leave traces."

More than half all Cameroonian women have experienced physical or sexual violence from their partners at some point in their lives, according to UN Women.

Almost one in three girls are married by the age of 18, according to the UN children's agency UNICEF.

Abuse is often swept under the carpet, particularly when it occurs within the family.

Cameroon's media watchdog, the National Communication Council, did not respond with a comment at the time of Reuter's publication.

Vision4 officials declined to comment on the broadcast.

Cameroonian journalist Comfort Mussa, who initiated a movement to fight sexual harassment and violence against women, said that it was hard for women to speak out.

"Speaking out for me has sometimes come with the cost of being attacked and being threatened," she said.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call 000.


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Source: Reuters, SBS


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