Rivers
NAWOJ, NGO Advocate Punitive Measures Against Gender-Based Violence
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State chapter and a non-governmental organisation in the state, Nigeria Community of Practice, Trauma Healing Institute (NCoPTHI), have called on governments at all levels to put in place punitive measures towards curbing gender based violence in the country.
The organisations made the call during separate interviews with The Tide ahead of activities to create awareness on Autism in the state.
Speaking to The Tide, Chairman, NAWOJ, Rivers State, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, lamented that many female children had died due to physical torture and abuses meted out on them by their caregivers.
“It is only God’s intervention and our continuous support towards them that can help them out of the situation.
“NAWOJ is calling on governments at all levels to as a matter of urgency put some machineries in place to ensure that domestic violence and abuses that affect physical, psychological and mental wellness of these children are reduced to its barest minimum.
“It is our belief that if governments at all levels are proactive, gender-based violence will be a thing of the past in our society”, she said.
The NAWOJ boss disclosed plan by the association to visit Government Rescue Home, Port Harcourt, and radio and television stations as part of activities to create awareness on Autism.
According to her, one of NAWOJ’s core objectives is to raise awareness on issues that are under-reported such as Autism and gender based violence.
Also speaking to The Tide, founder and Executive Director, NCoPTHI, Mrs Igbeye Remi Togun, said that the Trauma Institute has three age divisions for trauma healing and corresponding curricula.
She called on the government to employ professionals in the field of trauma healing or engage them as consultants.
“I am not aware yet of what effective strategies and solutions the government has proffered. What I know works all over the world is a multidisciplinary approach that is being utilized in practically all areas of life.
“To get successful outcomes, government needs to proactively and intentionally bring together proven players in the field of trauma healing and give them formal positions either as employment or consultancy positions,” she said.
By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana