Whereas it's not disputed that domestic violence has in certain case emanated from the much contested bride price, this problem is far much more than this simplified argument.

The current trends of domestic violence have depicted a sharp twist and seem multi- faced and very complex. We need to address this problem or else we are sitting on a time bomb. The way women have been treated for centuries in most African countries might come up to be another dilemma that will call for scientific research in an attempt to find a solution to a problem created by us.

With the current trends where some women have allegedly been forced to breast feed puppies, I do not see any reason that would stop such a lady from seeing any male creature as her worst enemy on earth. The movie "Provoked" can give a clear illustration of this scenario. A lady subjected to perennial battering and sexual violence lost her mind and burnt the husband while sleeping. She felt at home being sentenced to life imprisonment than being in her own home. It is asserted that there can be no compassion without suffering but this is not the suffering called for before we can show love to our own.

This problem stretches further than what we think, but what worries me is the fact that the problem has not been given the required attention given its magnitude. The evil of domestic violence is an incubator of yet another form of a lethal weapon not anticipated by men as another threat against their influence.

What is the precurser of this problem? I think it our attitude towards women which is shaped during our formative years. Young boys are brought up in a mistaken belief that women are meant to be submissive without a say in family matters. It puzzles me to hear a university student arguing thus: "I cannot marry a 'lawyer' because she is aware of her rights." It's unfortunate that a few educated youth have appreciated the fact that women can be a herald of change in society. We should develop David's attitude, he had a different perception of the giant, Goliath and that's why he was able to defeat him. Society can defeat this evil if only we can change our attitudes.

It's therefore the role of our mothers to educate young boys on how to treat women to avert a bigger problem that domestic violence is likely to create in future. The fathers should act as role models in a family by treating their wives faily. Have you ever noticed that in countries where the government and political environment is honest, generally you will find that the people are honest, law abiding and helpful? The reverse is true and it applies to home environments too.

Men's decisions are by and large shaped by the environment and in rare occasions, by their intellect. The environment we have been brought up in is that which treats women as a lesser human being. The challenge is for us to confront; if it needs divine intervention, let's intercede together. It's never too late to avert danger; we have little time to stop this problem.

The greatest discovery of this generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. The problem of domestic violence can be slowly curbed if society is molded towards transformation of our attitude to women.

Mr Ngabirano is a women rights activist