Assessing Initiatives Taken to Safeguard and Support Victims of Sexual Abuse in Dowa District: A Case Study of the Spotlight Initiative Under the Girls Empowerment Network (GENET)

IF 1.4 Q2 SOCIAL WORK
Daniel Devoted Matemba, Christina Banda
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Abstract

In Malawi, sexual abuse disproportionately affects girls and young women, emphasizing the need for effective interventions to safeguard their well-being. The Spotlight Initiative, a significant effort to combat violence against women and girls, has been implemented in Malawi, addressing various forms of gender-based violence, including sexual abuse. One funded project, Girls Action to End Violence against Women and Girls (GATEVAWG), aims to empower girls through mentorship in combating gender-based violence. This study assesses the effectiveness of initiatives and support mechanisms for sexual abuse victims in Malawi’s Dowa District. The population size includes data from at least 10 victims or project beneficiaries, 5 community authorities (traditional authorities), and at least 5 organization representatives leading the Spotlight Initiative project. Findings reveal the pervasive nature of sexual abuse in the study area, where men exploit vulnerable women and girls. While community authorities play a crucial role in intervention and support, neglecting some cases leads to adverse consequences for victims and their families. Support provided includes health care, psychosocial, emotional, and social assistance, facilitating recovery and societal reintegration. The study highlights the positive impact of the Spotlight Initiative, empowering girls with knowledge of their rights and sexual reproductive health. However, challenges persist, necessitating continuous efforts to combat harmful social and gender norms. Recommendations include encouraging girls to report abuse, raising awareness among families and community leaders, and strengthening follow-up mechanisms for addressed cases. The study also recommends future investigations into how survivors, supported by community-based initiatives, experience long-term physical, psychological, and emotional well-being.

Abstract Image

评估为保护和支持多瓦区性虐待受害者而采取的举措:女童赋权网络(GENET)下的聚焦倡议案例研究
在马拉维,性虐待对女童和年轻妇女的影响尤为严重,这强调了采取有效干预措施保障她们福祉的必要性。马拉维实施了 "聚光灯倡议",这是打击暴力侵害妇女和女童行为的一项重大努力,旨在解决包括性虐待在内的各种形式的性别暴力问题。其中一个获得资助的项目 "女孩行动起来制止暴力侵害妇女和女孩行为"(GATEVAWG)旨在通过辅导来增强女孩的能力,打击基于性别的暴力。本研究评估了马拉维多瓦区针对性虐待受害者的倡议和支持机制的有效性。研究对象包括至少 10 名受害者或项目受益人、5 名社区当局(传统当局)以及至少 5 名领导 "聚焦倡议 "项目的组织代表。研究结果表明,性虐待在研究地区非常普遍,男性剥削弱势妇女和女童。虽然社区当局在干预和支持方面发挥着至关重要的作用,但对某些案件的忽视会给受害者及其家庭带来不良后果。提供的支持包括医疗保健、社会心理、情感和社会援助,以促进康复和重返社会。研究报告强调了 "聚焦倡议 "的积极影响,该倡议增强了女孩对自身权利和性生殖健康知识的了解。然而,挑战依然存在,需要继续努力消除有害的社会和性别规范。提出的建议包括鼓励女孩举报虐待行为,提高家庭和社区领袖的认识,以及加强已处理案件的后续机制。研究还建议今后调查幸存者在社区倡议的支持下,如何获得长期的身心和情感福祉。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
2.00
自引率
8.30%
发文量
33
期刊介绍: This journal offers an outlet for articles that support social work as a human rights profession. It brings together knowledge about addressing human rights in practice, research, policy, and advocacy as well as teaching about human rights from around the globe. Articles explore the history of social work as a human rights profession; familiarize participants on how to advance human rights using the human rights documents from the United Nations; present the types of monitoring and assessment that takes place internationally and within the U.S.; demonstrate rights-based practice approaches and techniques; and facilitate discussion of the implications of human rights tools and the framework for social work practice.
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