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Uniting Against Violence: Empowering Communities to Seek Justice for All, Including Those Affected by Leprosy
Empowering Communities to Combat Gender-Based Violence. Advocating for Justice and Support for All including those affected by Leprosy.
Empowering Communities to Combat Gender-Based Violence: Advocating for Justice and Support for All, Including Those Affected by Leprosy
In a concerted effort to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV), PHACE has undertaken a comprehensive training program for community health volunteers (CHVs) and local community leaders (CLs). These individuals are now well-equipped to raise awareness about the various forms of violence within their communities, including physical, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse. The initiative also pays special attention to the vulnerabilities faced by individuals affected by leprosy, who are often marginalized and at an increased risk of violence.
The training emphasized the importance of recognizing and responding to all forms of violence, particularly in ensuring that cases are reported to the appropriate authorities—namely, the police and local village court magistrates. This approach is critical for those affected by leprosy, who may face additional barriers in seeking justice due to stigma and discrimination. As a direct result of this initiative, there has been a noticeable increase in the reporting of GBV cases in several targeted communities, signaling a positive shift towards accountability and justice for all.
Village court magistrates have recognized the significant contributions of CHVs and CLs, not only in identifying and reporting cases of gender-based and family sexual violence but also in guiding victims, including those with leprosy, toward mediation and legal recourse. This collaborative approach has been vital in breaking the silence surrounding GBV, fostering a community-driven movement to end violence and ensuring that justice is served.
impactful.
For individuals affected by leprosy, the training provided by PHACE is especially impactful.
These community members often face compounded challenges—dealing with the physical and social impacts of leprosy while also navigating the risks of GBV. The support and advocacy from trained CHVs and CLs are crucial in helping these individuals access the protection and justice they deserve.
By empowering these key community members with the knowledge and tools to address GBV, PHACE is helping to build safer, more supportive environments where all individuals, regardless of their health status, can live free from fear and violence. The ongoing efforts to strengthen the reporting and referral systems within these communities are essential to sustaining this progress and achieving long-term change, particularly for those who have long been overlooked and underserved.
