Amid the fun, be vigilant against child molesters
Most SGBV victims do not report the cases because the court process is so long and at the end of the day, justice is not served.
What you need to know:
- GBV has many root causes, like social, economic, political and cultural factors, embedded in patriarchal cultures and power imbalances.
- GBV can occur at any time and in any place and is particularly prevalent during times of conflict, disaster or other crises.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global problem that affects millions of people. It refers to harm or abuse perpetrated against a person based on their gender or sexual identity, including physical violence and sexual assault.
GBV is a complex issue with many root causes, like social, economic, political and cultural factors embedded in patriarchal cultures and power imbalances.
GBV can occur at any time and in any place and is particularly prevalent during times of conflict, disaster or other crises.
Specifically, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a major challenge, especially during the holidays. These include non-consensual sexual acts like rape, attempted rape, emotional abuse, financial abuse, stalking and other forms of sexual violence.
Several challenges make it difficult to identify and address SGBV during this season.
Also read: Why male GBV survivors don't speak up
One, with people more isolated due to travel or other holiday-related activity, it is harder for victims to reach out for help or support. Mistaking abuse for fun, the stress and pressure that often accompany the holidays can exacerbate conflicts and increase the risk of SGBV.
Fear
Besides, SGBV can be difficult to recognise and acknowledge if it occurs within a close relationship. People may be hesitant to report abuse or seek help, particularly if they are afraid of reprisal or of damaging relationships with friends and family.
Additionally, many government departments, civil society and other organisations providing SGBV support break for the holidays.
It is important to create a safe and all-time supportive environment for people to report SGBV and give victims support.
That can include providing information about hotlines and other all-time available resources, offering support and counselling services and promoting healthy and respectful relationships. It is also vital to enhance awareness of SGBV and provide comprehensive sexuality education to create a culture of respect and non-violence and prevent it.
Mr Akoth is an advocate at NAYA Kenya. [email protected].
