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The norms and practices that allow or reinforce violence against women and girls are the signs of an unhealthy society, and it is becoming a hidden epidemic, especially true for my country. Therefore, Violence prevention is necessary to address these unhealthy signs and symptoms that are preventing the development of a peaceful society.
Increasing the awareness of different types of VAW among the community members via 16 days of activism campaign is an example of a violence prevention activity.From Mercy’s story, realized that violence can impact negatively so many spheres at the community level hence prevention is important to realize:
1. Safety and Well-being: Reducing violence helps create an environment where people can live without fear and enjoy a better quality of life free of physical injuries, trauma, loss of life etc. Prevention helps minimize these devastating impacts on human lives.2. Saving resources and redirect them toward constructive initiatives as violence takes a toll on the community’s economy through increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and damage to infrastructure.
3. Prevention can help communities improve overall public health outcomes as violence can lead to long-term physical and mental health consequences.
4. Long-term Stability: Sustainable violence prevention efforts contribute to the long-term stability and resilience of a community. By addressing the root causes of violence, communities can build a foundation for lasting positive change.
There are a number of prevention activities can be done in her community such as:
1. Conducting regular awareness and education campaigns on forms of violence, their consequences, conflict resolution etc
2. Mentorship programs for girls and women to produce girls and women who are empowered, equipped with knowledge and skills of dealing with violence
3. Establishing safe spaces for interactions, collaborations and hanging out for women and girls to engage constructively.MJ
Ensuring the safety of Mercy’s community is of utmost importance. This necessitates addressing the underlying causes through education, community engagement, and support systems. Collaborative efforts among community members, local organizations, and government bodies are required to establish effective policies and support systems. By prioritizing violence prevention over reactive measures, the community can be transformed into a safer and more cohesive environment, where members feel protected and supported.
Promoting gender equity, respect, and women’s rights through local education and mindfulness programs is crucial in preventing violence. This can be achieved through debates or community gatherings that specifically address topics such as healthy relationships, communication, consent, and legal consequences of violence.I would place the education and engagement of the community on universal prevention. This can lead to creating a broad cultural shift that can prevent violence against women from occurring, rather than targeting specific at-risk groups or responding to violence after it has happened.
In Mercy’s community, violence has become normal and has been so for years, the practice be it conscious or unconscious, has been passed down from generations which makes it deadly. Also women and girls tend to see it as normal and eve expect it as a way of life. Prevention stops violence from being perpetuated either for the first time ever or from reoccurring where it may have happened before. A prevention intervention in Mercy’s community should target a change in the norms that exacerbate violence and work on change in mindset and behaviors.
Community dialogue on the various socio cultural practices in the community that exacerbate violence against women and girls and the passing of community bylaws abolishing these practices with the inclusion of sanctions for defaulters. Working with role models and male champions can motivate peer to peer influence for change.
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