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Today marks the beginning of sexual violence awareness week. Sexual violence is an ill predominant in Africa. It is any sexual activity or act carried out without consent. It may be as a result of force, threats, manipulation and coercion.
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
1 in 3 women have experienced physical/sexual violence, anyone can experience sexual violence but most victims of this act are females. Globally, 35% of women have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by non-partner. (UN Women)
#NoToSGBV
#NoToSGBV
Sexual violence occurs in different forms. It includes rape, unwanted sexual contact/touching, sexual exploitation and trafficking, revenge porn, bullying and catcalling to mention a few.
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
This act of violence occurs everywhere in the society, it happens in homes, communities, schools, workplaces and in the public spheres. Oppression in all of its forms is among the most causes of sexual violence.
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
In Nigeria, there was an increase in sexual violence during the #COVID 19 pandemic, especially during the lockdown period. In March 2020, 346 GBV cases were reported and there was a rise in numbers to 794 cases in April 2020. (FMWASD).
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
Before the #COVID 19 pandemic,243 million women & girls aged 15 – 49 experienced sexual & physical violence by an intimate partner in the past year. This number has increased due to insecurity,poverty & movement restrictions during the pandemic (UN Women).
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
The impacts of sexual violence are both long term and short term varying from psychological, emotional to physical. Survivors are vulnerable to unwanted pregnancies, STIs, substance abuse, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorder.
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
Survivors can get help from a professional to help their healing process. Such counselling can be gotten at Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC). You can also speak to a counselor on the EVA My Question and Answer Platform.
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
#NoToSGBV
#ItsNotOkay
To combat SV, Safe spaces where useful information on consent, sexual harassment, referral centres can be discussed should be set up in order to raise awareness & discourage the culture of silence. As young people, we can play a role in ensuring sexual violence does not exist...
...in our society by upholding respect and equality.
In conclusion, Government should ensure that policies that address sexual violence and uphold human rights are domesticated and implemented in all states across Nigeria.
In conclusion, Government should ensure that policies that address sexual violence and uphold human rights are domesticated and implemented in all states across Nigeria.
We ask for the domestication of the VAPP Act in all states; Ensure Justice and full execution of the law by convicting perpetrators according to the provisions in the law.
