Torture is one of the vilest infringements of an individual’s basic freedoms. The casualties are most frequently people from marginalized groups (particularly women and girls), ethnic minorities, and those without power or any type of social insurance. Most survivors continue to live with the ill effects of torture such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, uneasiness and other extreme psychological conditions, as a result of the intense fear they had to confront daily before seeking help.
Some experts think of abuse and torture as two sides of the same coin because, as observed in both cases, there is an intent to cause physical, psychological or emotional trauma in order to elicit certain behaviour from the victim, as some sort of sick punishment for an alleged wrongdoing, or as part of discrimination against marginalized groups. Many victims of abuse often describe the experience as torturous.
The United Nations General assembly in 1997 proclaimed the 26th of June as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, with a view to the total eradication of torture and as an opportunity to call on all stakeholders to unite in support of victims of torture.
Women Impacting Nigeria (WIN) has risen to this call and taken a stand against torture and all forms of abuse meted out on women and girls through some of her impact programs, which include;
- Self-Defence Workshops: A workshop that empowers women and young girls with the techniques to defend themselves when they are faced with violent situations.
- Sensitization Programs: Raising awareness of the issues of gender-based violence, rape, sexual violence and assault and the services WIN provides.
- Advocacy Campaigns: We advocate against the growing prevalence of gender-based violence amongst women and girls of all ages by increasing awareness of the causes and consequences of violence and pushing for policies that would create stiffer punishments for gender crimes.
- WIN Gender Based Violence Education Initiative: A Preventive initiative that focuses on addressing elements of the fight against incidences of sexual assault in primary and secondary schools. Our age-appropriate education provides pupils with tools and expertise to understand the root cause of violence in their communities. We are dedicated to educating and involving communities, to prevent and to learn about where to access support if violence is experienced.
- WIN Survivors Support Program: We support survivors of Rape and Sexual Violence by offering access to shelters, medical and legal aid and counseling to ensure the physical and mental recuperation of victims. We visit and cater for victims of abuse through encouragement, counseling and provision of basic needs.
- Him For Her Program: We promote the education of men and boys by teaching them about violence against women, positive masculinity and how to stand up for women and girls.
In conclusion, Women impacting Nigeria (WIN) will give her very best to ensure that women and young girls are well-equipped to shield themselves from all forms of violence, abuse or torture and are able to live their best lives using the Sustainable Development Goals as a yardstick. Therefore, as we create awareness for victims of torture today, let us all take a stand and endeavor to support all them in every way possible. To get involved in what we do, kindly click here
Written by Silver Chukwu || Medic and Content writer