By Ahmed Ahmed
A Bauchi community-based intervention Committee on preventing domestic violence known as peace mediators has resolved 16 Domestic violence in Kafin Madaki and Miri Communities of Ganjuwa and Bauchi local government areas of the state.
The Chairman Community Peace Mediators Committee in Kafin Madaki
Mal Yusuf Musa disclosed this at their monthly meeting on Monday in Bauchi.
He said that part of their achievement within six months of forming the Committee included the settlement of 8 cases of domestic violence 4 cases of forceful Marriage and 4 cases of domestic violence and sexual harassment.
According to him, the committee was formed by Attah Sisters Helping Hands Foundation and supported by
Women for Women International to tackle the menace of domestic violence in the two communities.
“The peace mediators always referred such cases to the foundation for guidance and counselling or support to the survivors,” he said
He noted that the scourge of domestic violence as well as other forms of violence against women has eaten deep into the fabric of our society
“By creating a lopsided gender balance with the female gender being the greatest victim. Violence has taken different forms ranging from sexual to physical and psychological as well as other forms.
We have boosted awareness campaigns, challenging demeaning or degrading references to women at individual, societal, religious and government levels,
“As well as opposing the culture of victim-blaming, teaching boys a sense of masculinity that respects women and accepts no type of gender-based violence,” he said
Musa added that the a need to protect victims, incorporating call centres and helplines for all sexual and gender-based related cases.
On her part, The Project Officer, Mrs. Precious Alfred commended the effort of the peace mediators for tackling the menace of domestic violence in the two communities.
“There is a need for continued advocacy interventions with religious, cultural and traditional leaders on dangers of domestic violence in the society,” She said.
Mrs Alfred said that ending domestic violence and all forms of gender-based violence is not just the work of Civil Society Organizations and the Government but the general Public.