Image by Akiragiulia on pixabay and edited with canva

According to the United Nations,Gender-Based violence refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms.

It is true that women and girls are the main victims of GBV. However it can affect men, families and communities as well. Gender based violence comes in forms such as physical, sexual and psychological.

In Nigeria, where I come from, there are laws against gender based violence and cases can be reported at ReportGBV which is a body under the Ministry of Womens Affairs.

This dashboard contains a detailed directory of helplines across the states of Nigeria. The helplines include government and social Organization’s together with their contact number, physical address and websites.

It is quite sad to know for a fact that while some states have more than enough foundations, agencies and Organizations, others have little to nothing. A quick search on the website will reveal this to you. What will victims in such places do? The answer is heartbreaking.

Another fact is that, while GBV is frowned upon on paper, the reality is that many victims are either too afraid to come forth, lack basic information on how to report, or are bullied by customs and traditions to remain silent.

According to the website, out of 9084 reported cases, only 33 perpetrators have been convicted.

But How Can We Stop Gender-Based Violence?

Sadly, victims and perpetrators of gender-based violence can be anyone. This is a menace in society, a dirty ugly vice that is pulling its victims into a deep black hole. Victims tend to lose hold of who they really are and become shadows of themselves. Violence of any form is abuse and must stop.

We must let victims know that they have a right. Education must travel through the nooks and crannies of the world. Through the doors and windows. Victims must know that there is light out there and there is a way out.

In our society today, more people than we know are going through one form of gender-based violence or the other. I'd like to say to you that there is help out there. Talk to someone today. You have rights and you deserve your freedom just like everyone else. Speak!

This is my entry to LOH Community Contest #99. @sommylove, I would love for you to join the contest.