Day 7/16 Days of Activism on ending Violence Against Women
Defilement is very common in communities. It is sad that even when families learn that a child has been defiled, most of them hide the incident fearing the shame it will bring to the family. Unfortunately no one is thinking about what the survivor is going through.
Some cases, families are quick to negotiate with the perpetrator of the crime. THIS IS WRONG. Girls who are defiled are likely to have health complications, a low self-esteem, a feeling of worthlessness, lack of trust in adults and an abnormal or distorted view of sex. Defilement is a serious crime that should be exposed and the survivors be given both medical and psychosocial support.
Call to Action on Government:
Facilitate Police Officers and the courts to follow up defilement cases appropriately, train more police surgeons and deploy them in different areas taking services near to the grass root. Make PEP available at health facilities so that survivors of Defilement can access it within the recommended 72 hours of exposure to HIV
Call to Action on Parents/Guardians:
Defilement is a serious crime. Do not negotiate with the offenders. ‘Step’ into the girl’s shoes, Think about the pain they go through after being defiled before you negotiate with the offenders.
Call to Action on the Judiciary:
Expedite court cases related to defilement so that complainants do not lose interest in cases,
Call to Action on the Girls: Amplify your Voice, Orange the World. There is no shame in reporting a case of defilement. Seek health care if you have been defiled. Join us at #WLHIVSPEAKOUT; Join the Global Campaign (Orange the World, #Hereto)
Contact
Margaret Happy, Advocacy Manager, mhappy@icwea.org/admin@icwea.org
Facebook: ICW Eastern Africa, Twitter: @ICWEastAFrica
Web: www.icwea.org
