Local Refugees Community Based Organization in Uganda appeals for psycho-social support for the victims of GBV
Anataban refugees led the community-based organization in Uganda is appealing for psycho-social support for the victims affected by Gender-Based Violence (GBV) especially the refugees affected in the various refugee’s camps
Juan Jackyn working for Anataban made these remarks during an interview as the world was making the 16-days of Activism against gender-based violence.
Jacklyn disclosed that most cases of GBV especially during these times of COVID 19 are arising from frustrations due to loss of job opportunities and other sources of livelihood. She indicated that families are hard-pressed and the frustrations usually end up as violence meted either on spouses or children.
She explained that many families are finding it hard to provide for basic needs such as food. This has resulted in scenarios where parents have had to give away their children because they cannot manage to adequately provide for them in terms of food and even education.
As such, she proposed that in addressing the issue of GBV, psycho-social support must reach all members of the family which includes the children, women, and men even though in most cases women and girls tend to be the victims of GBV.
“Looking at the situations in South Sudan where conflict and violence have been the order of the day, it is no doubt that the refugees who have fled their country are currently living in the camps are traumatized and in need of psycho-social support. Offering the psycho-social support at family levels which are the grass root levels will highly help to address cases of GBV,” Jacklyn explained.
She urged the community members to report GBV cases maybe of women being mistreated by man to the authority.
“If you see your neighbour mistreating the wife, don’t hesitate to let the community leaders know. It is important that a situation that cannot be resolved at family level be handled by community leaders in order to create peace.”
By Gaaniko Samson Jerry
