Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with survivors often facing multiple barriers when seeking support and rehabilitation. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal, psychological, cultural, and healthcare interventions.
As part of activities to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism, Shades of Us hosted an X (Twitter) Space panel discussion titled, ‘Best Practices for Gender-Based Violence Support and Rehabilitation’. The discussion was moderated by Ramatu Ada Ochekliye, the Founder of Shades of Us, and featured three experts:
Dorcas Anaja
Dorcas Anaja is a legal practitioner turned communications professional with a deep passion for justice system reform. At Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA), she combines her legal expertise with advocacy to promote a more fair and reformative justice system, particularly for incarcerated individuals and marginalized persons. Dorcas is also deeply committed to advancing women’s rights, especially through initiatives like the Inside Out Hub, which equips female inmates with vocational skills for economic independence.Kolawole Olatosimi Adenola
Kolawole Olatosimi Adenola is a dedicated advocate for children and youth, with over 15 years of experience in child protection, human trafficking, and youth development. Currently serving as the Program Coordinator at the Child and Youth Protection Foundation, Kolawole has worked on numerous initiatives to protect children’s rights and empower youth across Nigeria. His work includes collaborations with organizations like the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and he has played an important role in shaping national policies on child welfare.Dr. Victoria Udoo Kumekor
Dr. Victoria Udoo Kumekor is a Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Registrar with the NHS West Midlands, specializing in providing compassionate, evidence-based care to young people. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Kumekor is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and creative expression, often using storytelling and poetry to help children and adolescents cope with trauma. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and improving access to care for vulnerable young people.
The Hurdles Survivors Face in Accessing Support
The journey to justice and rehabilitation for survivors of SGBV is fraught with challenges. Dorcas Anaja highlighted that many survivors lack basic awareness of their rights, often due to insufficient legal literacy. Additionally, societal conditioning leads many victims to internalize shame, making them reluctant to seek justice. “People do not engage with the law because they do not trust it will protect them,” Dorcas pointed out, noting that financial constraints and subpar legal representation further complicate the situation.
Kolawole Olatosimi Adenola echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the damaging role of victim-blaming in Nigeria. Victims of SGBV, especially those in vulnerable communities, often face stigma and threats from their own families or communities. Kolawole also noted that societal and cultural values often perpetuate violence, with many traditional beliefs normalizing or trivializing acts of sexual violence. “We need a cultural shift where we all agree that rape is a crime,” he urged.
From a healthcare perspective, Dr. Victoria Kumekor addressed the inadequate knowledge surrounding SGBV and the lack of specialized care for survivors. “The psychological consequences of SGBV are immense, and survivors often face the added burden of not receiving the appropriate care,” she explained. Dr. Kumekor emphasized the need for specialized healthcare centers for survivors, which would integrate physical and psychological support.
Services Essential for Healthcare Providers and Social Workers
Healthcare providers and social workers play a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of SGBV survivors. Dr. Kumekor emphasized that healthcare professionals must offer both physical and psychological support tailored to the survivor’s individual needs. “Trauma affects the brain and how people think, feel, and behave,” she explained, stressing that survivors need comprehensive care, which includes emergency contraception, prophylaxis, and trauma-informed psychological support. She also noted the importance of healthcare providers conducting thorough physical assessments and maintaining a compassionate approach to every survivor.
The Impact of Cultural Beliefs and Societal Attitudes
Cultural beliefs and societal attitudes remain significant barriers to addressing the stigma surrounding SGBV. Kolawole highlighted that certain cultural and religious practices often enable violence and contribute to victim-blaming. He stressed the need for collective cultural acceptance that rape is a crime and not the fault of the survivor. “We need to support victims, as rape is a crime against the state, not just against the individual,” Kolawole said. He also advocated for more advocacy to change cultural norms and create a critical mass of people who demand an end to SGBV.
Crucial Policies for Sustaining SGBV Support Programs
Dorcas Anaja stressed the importance of effective policy implementation. While Nigeria has laws like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), she pointed out that implementation remains a challenge. “The law is only as strong as its enforcement,” she said. According to Dorcas, the VAPP Act offers extensive protections for survivors, but a lack of political will and widespread corruption in the system often hinder its effectiveness.
Dorcas also emphasized that continued advocacy is necessary to ensure the law is utilized. “If we do not keep pushing for support, these laws will remain underutilized,” she added.
The Role of Young Leaders in Advocacy
Young leaders are critical in advancing the fight against gender-based violence. Dorcas believes that young people can play a key role in advocating for SGBV prevention and survivor rehabilitation, particularly through movements and campaigns that challenge societal norms. She also emphasized the importance of mentorship and access to resources to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed.
Collaborative Efforts: Government, NGOs, and Communities
The success of GBV support systems relies heavily on collaboration between government bodies, NGOs, and local communities. Kolawole argued that such partnerships can significantly strengthen rehabilitation services for survivors. He pointed out that when different sectors work together, resources can be maximized, and services can be more comprehensive and accessible. “Collaboration ensures that support for survivors is holistic and sustainable,” he said.
Community Movements and the Fight Against Stigma
Dr. Kumekor also highlighted the role of community engagement in breaking down the stigma surrounding SGBV. She suggested that community movements could help foster an environment of empathy and support for survivors, reducing the shame and isolation they often feel. “By encouraging open dialogues and creating supportive spaces, communities can play a vital role in helping survivors heal,” Dr. Kumekor explained.
Innovative Approaches to Addressing GBV
Innovation in both policy and practice is critical in addressing SGBV. Dorcas, Kolawole, and Dr. Kumekor all shared various innovative approaches that have shown promise in Nigeria. For instance, Dorcas mentioned the importance of integrating technology into awareness campaigns, making information about survivors' rights and available support services more accessible. Kolawole also highlighted the role of youth-led advocacy groups in challenging harmful cultural practices. Meanwhile, Dr. Kumekor suggested that integrating creative expression, such as storytelling and poetry, into therapy could help survivors process trauma in a healing and empowering way.
The Role of Technology in Raising Awareness and Accessing Resources
In today’s digital age, technology can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and connecting survivors with the resources they need. Social media, apps, and online platforms can amplify the voices of survivors and provide access to legal and healthcare resources. Dorcas suggested that technological platforms could be used to share information about legal rights, support services, and how to seek redress. Meanwhile, Ramatu advocated for digital platforms that could provide mental health resources, particularly for survivors in remote or underserved areas.
Creating Sustainable Systems Through Partnerships
Finally, Dorcas, Kolawole, and Dr. Kumekor all agreed that sustainable support systems for survivors of SGBV depend on strong partnerships between healthcare providers, legal institutions, and local communities. By working together, these stakeholders can create a more integrated, accessible, and effective network of services that ensures the long-term well-being of survivors.
Conclusion
The conversation surrounding gender-based violence in Nigeria is complex, but there is hope. The panelists' insights reveal that, through a combination of legal reform, healthcare innovation, cultural transformation, and strong advocacy, the barriers facing survivors can be broken down. As Dorcas Anaja, Kolawole Olatosimi Adenola, and Dr. Victoria Kumekor emphasized, it is essential that we all play a role in pushing for change. Whether through direct action, education, or community support, every effort counts in creating a safer, more supportive environment for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
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