Gender Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) isn’t just a violation of human rights—it’s a barrier that keeps women trapped in poverty. Women and girls, disproportionately affected by violence, often face disrupted education, loss of employment, and health complications, locking them into cycles of financial dependence and limiting their potential. Poverty, in turn, makes it harder for them to escape abusive situations.

Violence against women costs the world over $5.8 trillion annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses, according to the World Bank. This shows that GBV isn’t just a personal or family problem—it’s an economic issue that holds entire communities back.

Education and economic empowerment are crucial to breaking this cycle. Women with access to education are more likely to gain employment and become financially independent, enabling them to leave abusive situations. When girls stay in school and women gain financial independence, their chances of being stuck in violent relationships drop significantly.

However, it’s not just about helping survivors. Governments must strengthen laws to protect women, and society needs to shift cultural norms that normalize violence. This includes engaging men and boys in discussions about healthy masculinity, gender equality, and non-violence.

Ending GBV is essential to ending poverty. By tackling violence and empowering women, we can break the chains of both abuse and poverty, creating more equitable societies where everyone can thrive.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #EndGBV #WomenEmpowerment #EqualityForAll #GenderEquality #GenderBias

**References:**

– World Bank. “Violence Against Women and Girls.”

– United Nations. “Ending Gender-Based Violence.”

– Heise, Lori. “A Global Review of Gender-Based Violence.”

Gender-based violence (GBV) has severe mental health consequences, leaving lasting emotional scars that go beyond physical harm. Survivors of GBV, including intimate partner violence and sexual assault, are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. According to the World Health Organization, women who experience violence are twice as likely to suffer from depression. Feelings of shame, fear, and isolation often compound their trauma, leading to further mental health deterioration.

Moreover, women often face gender bias when seeking mental health care, leading to their trauma being overlooked or misinterpreted. This can delay treatment or cause women to avoid seeking help altogether. A study by García-Moreno et al. (2015) found that healthcare systems frequently fail to provide adequate support for women experiencing GBV, particularly in addressing their mental health needs. This bias exacerbates the stigma surrounding both mental health and gender-based violence, leaving many women without the resources to heal.

Ending GBV is not only crucial for women’s physical safety but also for their mental well-being. By eradicating violence against women, we eliminate a major source of trauma that fuels mental health disorders like depression and PTSD. Ensuring women live free from violence is the first step toward ending the mental health crises caused by GBV. When societies address the root causes of GBV and promote trauma-informed care, women can begin to heal, both physically and mentally. Ending GBV is, therefore, a vital step toward improving women’s overall mental health and creating a world where they can thrive.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #EndGBV #MentalHealthMatters #SupportSurvivors #BreakTheSilence #GenderEquality #GenderBias

REFERENCES:

1. García-Moreno, C., Hegarty, K., d’Oliveira, A. F., Koziol-McLain, J., Colombini, M., & Feder, G. (2015). The health-systems response to violence against women. The Lancet, 385(9977), 1567-1579.

2. World Health Organization. (2017). Violence against women. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women

Gender-based violence is a grave violation of human rights that affects predominantly women and girls. Reporting GBV is crucial in obtaining justice, support, and protection. However, many victims are often unsure about how to report their experiences or which authorities to approach. This lack of knowledge can hinder access to necessary resources and justice. Understanding the various strategies and resources available for reporting GBV in Nigeria is essential for empowering survivors and ensuring they receive the support they need.

Key Reporting Channels and Resources

Legal Assistance

• Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP): This law provides a legal framework for addressing various forms of GBV. Survivors should seek legal assistance to understand their rights under the VAPP Act. 
• NAPTIP (National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons): NAPTIP provides legal and rehabilitative support for survivors of human trafficking and GBV. They have a dedicated helpline (0703 0000 203) for reporting incidents.

Authorities in Charge

• Nigerian Police Force: Survivors can report GBV incidents to the nearest police station. The police are obligated to investigate and provide protection to survivors. Specialized units, such as the Gender Desk in police stations, are trained to handle GBV cases sensitively.
• Ministry of Women Affairs: This ministry is crucial in coordinating responses to GBV and supporting survivors. It collaborates with various national and international partners to improve reporting mechanisms and survivor support services.

Helplines and Emergency Services

• National GBV Helpline: The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, supported by the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, has established the ReportGBV.ng platform. This includes a 24/7 helpline (0800 3333 3333) where survivors can report incidents and receive immediate support​ (ReportGBV)​​ (Spotlight Initiative)​.
• Emergency Services: In urgent situations, survivors should contact local police or emergency medical services. It’s crucial to have emergency contacts readily available.

Supportive Organizations

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Numerous NGOs offer legal aid and advocacy for women and girls facing violence. They also conduct awareness programs to educate the public about GBV and its impact. (ReportGBV)​​ Survivors can approach these organizations for help navigating the legal system, understanding their rights, counselling, and legal assistance.

Reporting GBV is essential for accessing justice and support. Survivors in Nigeria have various channels and resources available, from helplines and legal assistance to supportive organizations and online platforms. By leveraging these resources and addressing the barriers to reporting, we can create a safer environment for all and work towards eradicating GBV. 

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

Gender-based violence is a pervasive global issue rooted in entrenched social norms and power structures. gender roles play an important role in perpetuating a culture where violence against women and girls is normalized, tolerated, and even condoned.

At the heart of traditional gender roles lies the concept of patriarchy, where men hold primary power and authority while women are relegated to subordinate positions. Patriarchal societies uphold rigid gender norms that dictate women’s subservience, passivity, and dependence on men. This power dynamic not only reinforces the belief that men are entitled to control women but also justifies violence as a means of asserting dominance and maintaining control.

According to UN Women, patriarchal norms perpetuate violence against women by fostering a culture of impunity for perpetrators and silencing survivors. The prioritization of male honour over the rights and well-being of women and girls further exacerbates the prevalence of violence in such societies.

From a young age, girls are socialized into prescribed gender roles that dictate acceptable behaviours, interests, and aspirations based on their gender. UNICEF emphasizes that gender stereotypes perpetuate harmful attitudes and beliefs that contribute to the normalization of violence against women and girls. Boys are conditioned to equate masculinity with dominance, aggression, and control, while girls are taught to prioritize compliance, submission, and caretaking roles.

These gendered expectations create a fertile ground for the justification and perpetration of violence. Boys who don’t fit the mould of the stereotypical masculine may become the target of bullying and social exclusion, which makes them turn to violence as a way to maintain their masculinity and social standing. Similarly, girls who challenge gender norms may face backlash and punishment, further reinforcing the cycle of violence and oppression.

In conclusion, traditional gender roles play a significant role in perpetuating a culture of violence against women and girls by reinforcing patriarchal power dynamics, perpetuating harmful stereotypes, exacerbating economic disparities, and intersecting with other forms of discrimination. It is crucial to question and alter these deeply ingrained gender norms, empower women and girls, and advance gender equality at all societal levels to effectively confront and prevent violence.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #GenderRoles #StopGBV #StopGenderStereotype #Girlsrights #WomenRights #genderequality #genderbias

Emotional abuse is a pervasive form of violence that often goes unrecognized but leaves deep scars on its victims, particularly women and girls. According to UNICEF, emotional abuse encompasses behaviours such as verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, and manipulation, all of which undermine an individual’s sense of self-worth and well-being.

Emotional abuse encompasses a range of behaviours designed to undermine an individual’s sense of self-worth, autonomy, and agency. It can manifest in various forms such as verbal threats, insults, humiliation, manipulation, isolation, and controlling behaviours. Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse leaves no visible bruises but inflicts deep psychological wounds that can be equally devastating.

Emotional abuse targets a person’s psychological and emotional well-being, eroding their confidence, autonomy, and mental health. It can occur in various settings, including intimate relationships, families, workplaces, and communities.
The WHO emphasizes that emotional abuse can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation. The constant belittling, manipulation, and invalidation experienced by victims can result in severe emotional distress and trauma, affecting their ability to function in daily life.

Emotional abuse is intricately linked to broader patterns of gender-based violence, reflecting power imbalances and societal norms that devalue women and girls. It often intersects with other forms of abuse, such as physical violence, sexual coercion, and economic control, creating complex challenges for survivors seeking safety and support. ~ UN Women

Research cited by UNICEF underscores the long-term consequences of emotional abuse, including difficulties in forming trusting relationships, challenges in parenting, and increased vulnerability to re-victimization. These effects can persist into adulthood, shaping individuals’ life trajectories and well-being

Emotional abuse is a pervasive yet often hidden form of violence that profoundly impacts women and girls’ lives. It is therefore imperative to amplify voices, raise awareness, and advocate for policies and interventions that prevent and address emotional abuse, ensuring a safer and more equitable world for women and girls everywhere

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.