The Covid-19 induced lockdowns around the world have led to a surge in domestic violence cases globally. This shadow effect of the pandemic has left womxn and LGBTQ individuals vulnerable as ‘stay-at-home measures’ have forced them to be trapped with their abuser. Home, unfortunately, is not a safe place for all.
In marginalized communities like Nigeria, the effects are even worse. According to a study conducted by ActionAid Nigeria, between March and May, 253 attacks against womxn were documented during the lockdown in Bauchi, Cross River, Enugu, Kebbi and Kwara. And with many cases rising, shelters and services to treat and assist womxn were either being closed or running out of funds to carry out their work.
The influx of news stories from the killing of Tina Ezekwe to the rape and murder of Uwa Uwavera has been a lot. It seemed like almost every day, reports of womxn being raped, murdered and attacked were being reported. The effects of consuming these reports at such a high volume have the uncanny ability to take a toll on our mental health, as we were forced to repeatedly confront the harsh reality that womxn are not only unsafe in Nigeria but that justice is still a far cry from home.
Thankfully, organizations such as Stand To End Rape (S.T.E.R) have been advocating against sexual violence and providing prevention mechanisms for survivors. Over the weekend, S.T.E.R launched its new free therapy service to help assist people who have been made more vulnerable or encountered situations during the lockdown that need them to get legal and/or psychosocial support.
We are glad to introduce our ‘Text for Help’ Initiative which is a COVID-19 supported program by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust aimed at providing mental health support to survivors of sexual violence or people having mental stress due to the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/sc9tUQZToR
— S.T.E.R Initiative (@StandtoEndRape) September 3, 2020
Speaking to FEMME MAG about the new free therapy service, Lola Akisanya from S.T.E.R says, “ Our mental health psychosocial support team with support from the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust created this initiative that entails the ‘text for help’ service. It’s to provide more support to people who are experiencing or have experienced sexual and gender-based violence and those struggling with mental health difficulties during this period.”
People can either text or call the numbers provided and a therapist will be made available to assist them free of charge. In addition to this, a mental health toolkit will also be launched on their website soon to help people navigate their progress and process.
For more information, follow @StandtoEndRape on Twitter and visit their website at https://standtoendrape.org/.
