SEXUAL AND GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
This is a cover term for any harmful act done against a person's will which is usually based on unequal power between women and men. It is a severe violation of several human rights because it inflicts harm on an individual both male or female but women are at a greater risk and this act can be carried out by anyone including persons in positions of authority especially in IDP camps, refugee centres, hostile communities amongst others.
There are many types of sexual and gender based violence acts such as verbal violence, domestic and psychological violence, sexual violence and harassment, forced abortions and marriages, physical and socio-economic violence, female genital mutilation etc.
Today, because of technology, sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) has become sophisticated resulting in Cyber bullying, Stalking, Identity theft, Sextortion amongst others and all of these are a great danger and threat to the society.
The effects of any of these acts can lead to traumas, low self esteem, exhibition of negative emotions like fear and anger, depression and at large affect one's physical and mental health.
Sexual and gender based violence among married couples is quite common and has a larger negative impact on our children who are the future of the society. In the family unit, this act is usually caused by frustrations especially from economic and financial hardships, pride, stress and pressures in the home, losses especially jobs, death of a child, unmet physical and emotional needs, failed expectations etc.
Some schools of thought strongly believe that men are above and in total control of women which includes their bodies and everything they possess. This belief can create room for domestic violence, aggressive behaviours, verbal and physical violence or assaults amongst many others if peaceful dialogue breaks down.
Frequent episodes of sexual and gender based violence in the family unit create a toxic environment for everyone especially for our children and opens them up to aggressive behaviours and vulnerabilities as the home remains the first immediate environment of any child.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Couples, parents and relevant stakeholders should not abuse the authority they have over their children, spouses or anyone in the home, always keeping in mind the negative effects these acts have on them. They should become more positively responsible for our children especially in helping them manage their emotions better knowing that they copy all that they see us do or say.
The UNDP has found that SGBV is affected by climate change especially in rural areas where girls and women make longer trips to find food and water in the dry seasons, making them vulnerable to sexual assault. Governments can mitigate this by investing in making food and water surplus in the dry season so women and girls don't have to travel far to look for them thereby exposing themselves unwittingly to SGBV acts.
Empower women and girls through Education, giving them financial support, Providing environments where they feel safe and protected and including them in decision making.
Governments should strengthen legislation that severely punishes anyone found guilty of committing SGBV acts especially against children.
Keep young minds positively occupied through the instrumentality of community sports, education, jobs and employment.
If you or a loved one have experienced Sexual or Gender-based violence, report to the authorities or contact us.
UZOAMAKA NWACHUKWU: Microbiologist, Co-Founder - Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. Counsellor: Grief & Bereavement. Counsellor: Depression. Life Coach on Emotional Intelligence. Life Coach: Mental Health & Wellness. Child Psychologist. Ex-Intelligence Officer.