The Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Management Committee in Bauchi State sensitized members of Daben Kasuwa community members in Ganjuwa Local Government area on how the power of silence triggers Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
Mrs Bula Afsa who led the committee to advocacy visit to Daben Kasuwa community on Thursday, said they are in the community to draw their attention on how the power of silence triggers SGBV.
She said domestic violence is prevalent in our communities. The menace manifests itself in several forms including physical assault, name calling and economic deprivation.
She noted that keeping silent on any act of violence is dangerous to the community and the victims as well.
“The power of silence triggers, sustaining and strengthening domestic violence perpetrated by men and women towards one another.
“We have to take action to end all forms of violence against women, men and girls for an inclusive society, adding there is a law that would deal with perpetrators ,” she said.
Afsa explained the need to create awareness and work with community members to break the silence on gender-based violence.
“This will urge individuals to be on the lookout for violent tendencies and seek necessary help when needed.
“The aim for this sensitisation is to create awareness on gender-based violence and find ways to curb this menace.
“We notice that issues of gender-based violence are not reported by victims for fear of victimization,” she said
Afsa added that they want to extend the education to the grassroots and rally the community to support victims instead of avoiding them.
A member of the Committee , Hajiya Asmau Yahaya also advocated to the community not to relegate People with Disability.
She urged the Community leaders to always consider and include people with disability in their activities, saying that would give them a sense of belonging.
Malam Abubakar Mohammed, Community leader appreciated the Committee for reawakening them on dangers of keeping silent on domestic violence in the community.
He said the community and its surroundings always have experience of different forms of domestic violence.
On his part, the village head of Daben Kasuwa Alhaji Sanusi Saleh expressed his appreciation to the committee for finding time to sensitise the community on the dastardly act.
According to him, this opportunity gives us first-hand knowledge on how communities can rally towards exposing the perpetrators of sexual and gender based violence in the community.
“The sensitisation has highlighted the need to engage our communities more in order to create awareness about issues of gender-based violence.
“The campaign will improve prevention and elimination of gender based violence and our communities involved in ensuring that our people are safe.