Press Statement
11 November 2015
Women for Change dismayed with increase in defilement cases
While Women for Change (WfC) has been dismayed at the number of child abuse cases that are being reported through the media, for instance, UTH reported to have recorded an increase to 146 of abused patients in the month of September this year as compared to last year’s 108; it has been an additional shock to learn of many cases that still go unreported.
In the past year, while working on a UNDP/GRZ funded anti-Gender Based Violence (GBV) project in rural areas using a village-led model that the organisation has designed, it has been saddening to witness abuse cases that go unreported due to non-availability of relevant support structures. We commend government for its willingness to partner with us in our efforts to mitigate GBV cases in rural areas as well.
However, while a lot of effort is being made by all stakeholders, perpetrators are not remorseful at the impact of their actions on the victims especially children whose faith and trust in their protection is destroyed. For this reason, we are making a humble appeal to all those abusing children psychologically, physically and/or sexually to STOP NOW! Abuse of a child is sadistic and inhuman because the child grows up tainted by such an experience the rest of their lives.
In view of the negative impact of child abuse, we make an appeal to the government and other stakeholders to support the setting up of counselling services in all our health institutions, all our police stations through the Victim Support Unit and encourage the setting up of professionally run counselling centres with reputable background. These providers will enhance access to counselling services for GBV survivors and help lead in taking proactive steps in preventing abuse.
We further make an appeal to government to remain steadfast in its fight against child abuse by ensuring a legal framework that stands the test of time and providing for alternative protection centres for children living in abusive environments.
In the same vein, WfC would like to urge families, especially female members, not to cover up abuse cases in their homes. The anti-GBV fight is for all of us and unless we stand as one, the vice will continue to cripple our families, communities and the nation at large. TOGETHER WE SAY NO TO GBV!
Lumba Siyanga
Executive Director
Women for Change
11 November 2015
11 November 2015
Women for Change dismayed with increase in defilement cases
While Women for Change (WfC) has been dismayed at the number of child abuse cases that are being reported through the media, for instance, UTH reported to have recorded an increase to 146 of abused patients in the month of September this year as compared to last year’s 108; it has been an additional shock to learn of many cases that still go unreported.
In the past year, while working on a UNDP/GRZ funded anti-Gender Based Violence (GBV) project in rural areas using a village-led model that the organisation has designed, it has been saddening to witness abuse cases that go unreported due to non-availability of relevant support structures. We commend government for its willingness to partner with us in our efforts to mitigate GBV cases in rural areas as well.
However, while a lot of effort is being made by all stakeholders, perpetrators are not remorseful at the impact of their actions on the victims especially children whose faith and trust in their protection is destroyed. For this reason, we are making a humble appeal to all those abusing children psychologically, physically and/or sexually to STOP NOW! Abuse of a child is sadistic and inhuman because the child grows up tainted by such an experience the rest of their lives.
In view of the negative impact of child abuse, we make an appeal to the government and other stakeholders to support the setting up of counselling services in all our health institutions, all our police stations through the Victim Support Unit and encourage the setting up of professionally run counselling centres with reputable background. These providers will enhance access to counselling services for GBV survivors and help lead in taking proactive steps in preventing abuse.
We further make an appeal to government to remain steadfast in its fight against child abuse by ensuring a legal framework that stands the test of time and providing for alternative protection centres for children living in abusive environments.
In the same vein, WfC would like to urge families, especially female members, not to cover up abuse cases in their homes. The anti-GBV fight is for all of us and unless we stand as one, the vice will continue to cripple our families, communities and the nation at large. TOGETHER WE SAY NO TO GBV!
Lumba Siyanga
Executive Director
Women for Change
11 November 2015