Breaking the Silence

What legal protections exist for survivors of gender-based violence, and what should citizens expect from the institutions responsible for protecting them?In this episode of the Citizens’ Rights and Security Podcast, we explore the laws protecting survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria, with a focus on the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and Adamawa State’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law.The discussion highlights survivors’ rights, the responsibilities of the police, health facilities, courts, and other service providers, as well as the importance of access to justice, protection, confidentiality, and support. It also examines the barriers that prevent survivors from seeking justice and the role communities and institutions can play in addressing them.Join us as we raise awareness, promote accountability, and encourage collective action towards preventing gender-based violence and protecting the rights and dignity of every individual.

Traditional and religious leaders are often the first people families turn to in a crisis, so their words can decide whether a survivor speaks up or stays silent. This episode looks at how leaders can use that trust to protect women, children and other vulnerable people. Guests discuss how Islam, Christianity and local custom all teach care and justice, and how to tell those values apart from harmful practices that are wrongly defended as “culture” or “religion.” These include treating domestic violence as a private matter, pressuring survivors to “keep the peace,” blaming survivors, early and forced marriage, and silence around sexual violence.The episode explains why serious cases, such as sexual violence, child abuse and severe assault, should go through formal referral pathways and not be settled privately. It also covers how to receive a disclosure: listen without judging, keep it confidential, never blame, and refer promptly. Leaders will learn where to refer survivors, how to work with the Male Obliged Trainers (MOT) and Community Support Persons (CSP), and how to carry these messages into sermons, weddings and community gatherings.

Children are among the most vulnerable to abuse, and many suffer in silence. In this episode of the Adamawa Radio Programme on GBV Prevention, Protection and Community Action, we ask two key questions: what signs should adults recognise, and how can children safely report?We discuss the physical, emotional and behavioural changes that can signal a child is being harmed, and why parents, teachers, neighbours and leaders must stay alert. We also look at how to create safe, trusted spaces where children feel able to speak up, how adults should respond when a child discloses abuse (listen, believe, protect and never blame), and where to take a child for medical care, protection and support.

Many survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) never speak out. In this episode of the Adamawa Radio Programme on GBV Prevention, Protection and Community Action, we ask two questions: why don’t survivors report, and how should families and communities respond?We look at the fear, stigma, shame and lack of information that keep survivors silent, and why silence does not mean violence is not happening. We also discuss how families, neighbours and leaders can respond with support rather than blame. That means listening without judgment, protecting the survivor’s dignity and confidentiality, respecting their choices, and helping them reach the services they need.

Help is available for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), and reporting is the beginning of a process that can lead to safety, medical care, justice and long-term support. In this episode of the Adamawa Radio Programme on GBV Prevention, Protection and Community Action, we explain where and how to seek help.There is no single “correct” first step. A survivor can start with a health facility, the police, a social welfare officer, MOT or CSP members, or a trusted community leader, whichever feels safest. Survivors of sexual violence should seek medical care as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours. Health facilities, including Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) where available, offer confidential care and do not require police involvement first.We also cover what to expect from the police, the role of counselling and psychosocial support, free legal aid, and why confidentiality and consent matter at every step. Families and neighbours can help by accompanying survivors, sharing accurate information, and never delaying access to help.📞 +234 809 125 7245 | ✉️ [email protected]

Join us for an important and engaging conversation on Understanding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as we unpack the realities, challenge harmful misconceptions, and explore how individuals and communities can play a role in preventing violence and supporting survivors.

Conflict and displacement strip away the protection of home, family and community, raising the risk of gender-based violence (GBV) for women, girls, men and boys. In this episode of the Adamawa Radio Programme on GBV Prevention, Protection and Community Action, we look at why displaced people are exposed to violence. Overcrowded shelters, unsafe toilets and bathing areas, and long walks for water or firewood all add to the risk. Women, adolescent girls, widows, female-headed households, unaccompanied children and persons with disabilities face the highest risks.We also discuss how loss of income and food insecurity can push families toward harmful coping strategies like early marriage and exploitation. Fear, stigma and distrust of authorities mean many cases go unreported, and silence does not mean violence isn’t happening.Survivors can seek help from health facilities, police gender desks, GBV service providers, legal aid providers, government social services, and trusted community or faith leaders. Treat survivors with dignity and confidentiality, and seek medical care as early as possible, ideally within 72 hours of a sexual assault.For support or referral guidance, contact Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN):📞 +234 809 125 7245 | ✉️ [email protected]#GBV #gender-based violence #displacement #conflict #Adamawa #womenandgirls #protection #survivorsupport #Nigeria

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) goes beyond physical harm—it affects lives, families, and communities in profound and lasting ways. In this episode, we explore the realities of GBV, the myths that continue to fuel it, and the collective responsibility we all share in preventing violence and supporting survivors.Join us as we examine the root causes of gender-based violence, discuss pathways to justice and accountability, and highlight the importance of creating safe spaces where survivors are heard, believed, and supported.Whether you're a policymaker, civil society actor, community leader, student, or simply someone committed to building a safer society, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical actions we can all take to end GBV.Together, we can break the silence, challenge harmful norms, and build communities where everyone can live free from violence.#Partnersnigeria #GenderBasedViolence #UnderstandingGBV #BeyoundtheBruises #StopGBV

As a women-led organisation committed to enhancing citizens’ participation, improving security governance, and strengthening protection systems, Partners West Africa Nigeria is uniquely positioned to lead a nationwide civic that informs, empowers, and mobilises Nigerians to participatemeaningfully in governance and hold institutions accountable.

Nigeria continues to experience insecurity, governance gaps, weak service delivery, low civic awareness, and limited understanding of citizens' rights and responsibilities. Women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural communities are often the most affected.