By Stella Anekwe
A two-day capacity-building workshop for first responders on sexual violence awareness and community engagement, organised by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in partnership with the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, has concluded in Awka. The workshop, themed “Social Welfare Workshop on Sexual Violence Awareness Raising and Community Engagement,” was sponsored by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium.
It brought together first responders from the Ministry’s eight departments to strengthen their capacity in sexual violence prevention, survivor support, community engagement, and the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law.
Participants were urged to intensify public awareness campaigns, disseminate accurate information on sexual violence, and facilitate timely access to medical, psychosocial, and other essential support services for survivors.
MSF stressed the importance of seeking medical attention within 72 hours of a sexual violence incident to improve treatment outcomes. The organisation noted that free and confidential medical and psychological services are available at the Primary Health Centre, Mgbakwu, in Awka North Local Government Area. The services include Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), Emergency Contraception (EC), mental health care, and emotional support.
The organisation further emphasised that collaboration between MSF and the Anambra State Government would help build safer communities, increase awareness, and ensure that survivors receive the care and support they deserve. Participants were urged to work as a team and communicate sexual violence prevention messages effectively through both formal and informal community engagement.
Speaking during the workshop, the Project Coordinator of MSF Belgium, Mr. Bob Francis Makalande, represented by the Health Promotion Supervisor, Miss Jane Ibezim, said the organisation provides free and confidential medical and psychological care for men, women, and children who have experienced sexual violence.
She explained that the services, available from Monday to Friday at the Primary Health Centre, Mgbakwu, include medical care to prevent complications after sexual violence, mental health support, emotional counselling, and mental health education.
Also speaking, Health Promotion Officer of MSF, Mr. Eric Nwabugo, highlighted strategies for encouraging survivors to seek medical care within the critical 72-hour period following sexual violence.
He called for perpetrators of sexual violence to be brought to justice and urged participants to report incidents to the appropriate authorities while ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of survivors.
Other resource persons discussed the psychological and emotional effects of sexual violence, including guilt, fear, recurring thoughts, dissociation, hopelessness, hypervigilance, anxiety, depression, and other severe mental health conditions, stressing the importance of early intervention and continuous support for survivors.
Stella Anekwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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