Project Alert, a prominent women’s rights organization, recently concluded a two-day refresher training program for its Community Surveillance Team (CST) members in Lagos, Nigeria. This initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to combating the pervasive issues of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), domestic violence, and child abuse that continue to plague communities across the region. The training, held at NECA House in Alausa, brought together CST representatives from fifteen local government areas (LGAs) within Lagos. These representatives play a crucial role in identifying and reporting instances of abuse within their respective communities, serving as a vital link between victims and support services. The training served as a platform for these community members to share their observations and experiences, providing valuable insights into the specific challenges faced in their localities.
The reports from CST members painted a stark picture of the varied forms of abuse prevalent within their communities. Representatives from Somolu LGA highlighted the distressing prevalence of child labor and physical abuse. In Oshodi/Isolo LGA, harassment of young girls by local thugs emerged as a significant concern. Meanwhile, representatives from Alimosho LGA pointed to the grave issues of rape, economic abuse of women, and child labor. These reports, along with others from across the participating LGAs, revealed a disturbing pattern of SGBV, including domestic violence, drug abuse, sexual abuse, and prostitution. This diversity of abuse types underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of the challenge, highlighting the need for comprehensive and tailored interventions.
Dr. Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, the founder of Project Alert, provided further context to the training initiative and the critical role of the CST. She explained that the CST was established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, a period that witnessed a significant surge in SGBV cases. The lockdown, while necessary for public health, inadvertently created an environment where victims were often trapped with their abusers, with limited access to external support. This period highlighted the urgent need for community-based interventions to address the escalating crisis. The CST emerged as a direct response to this need, providing a crucial network of local individuals trained to identify and respond to SGBV within their communities.
Dr. Effah-Chukwuma emphasized the vital role of community involvement in tackling SGBV. While government agencies like the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) and organizations like Project Alert offer essential support services, she stressed that first responders within communities are often the first point of contact for victims. These individuals, often neighbors, community leaders, or religious figures, can provide immediate assistance, offer a safe space, and help connect victims with the necessary resources. The CST training equips these community members with the knowledge and skills to effectively intervene and support victims, bridging the gap between those experiencing abuse and the formal support systems available.
The training program focused on enhancing the CST members’ ability to identify different forms of abuse, understand the legal and social ramifications, and effectively respond to and report cases. It also aimed to empower them to educate their communities about SGBV, challenging harmful norms and promoting a culture of respect and safety. By strengthening the capacity of these community members, Project Alert seeks to create a more robust network of support for victims, enhancing their access to justice and assistance. The training serves as a crucial step in building a more responsive and protective environment for vulnerable individuals within the communities.
Based on the reports gathered from the CST members, Dr. Effah-Chukwuma highlighted domestic violence and child sexual abuse as particularly alarming trends. Domestic violence, she noted, extends beyond spousal abuse, often occurring within extended family relationships. The rising incidence of child sexual abuse presents a deeply troubling challenge, requiring urgent attention and intervention. The insights gathered from the CST training provide valuable information for shaping future programs and interventions, ensuring they are tailored to address the specific needs and challenges identified within each community. Project Alert’s continued efforts to empower communities and strengthen local response mechanisms are essential in the ongoing fight against SGBV and child abuse in Nigeria.
