The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has introduced an emergency intervention helpline for victims and witnesses of gender-based violence (GBV). This initiative aims to provide a confidential channel for reporting cases, requesting urgent intervention, and accessing security, legal, healthcare, and other support services. The helpline is part of AMAC's efforts to combat the abuse of women and girls across its 12 wards.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Special Adviser on Women Affairs to the AMAC Chairman, Loveth Izekor, emphasized that protecting women and girls is a collective responsibility. She urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, community coordinators, and residents to play active roles in preventing and reporting abuse. The initiative, themed "Unite to Protect: Empowering AMAC Women Through Knowledge and Action," seeks to move beyond awareness-raising to practical intervention and protection.
The emergency helpline is designed to provide a safe and confidential channel for residents to report GBV cases and seek help. Izekor encouraged residents to save and share the official emergency contact within their communities, stressing that victims and witnesses should not remain silent. She emphasized the importance of collective action in protecting women and girls, stating that it is not the responsibility of government alone.
The intervention framework brings together various stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force Gender Desk, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), alongside healthcare providers. This collaboration aims to strengthen prevention, emergency intervention, legal assistance, healthcare, counseling, and survivor support for victims of abuse.
Izekor urged traditional rulers and royal queens to help break the culture of silence in their communities, while calling on religious leaders to promote dignity, compassion, and protection for women and girls. She also charged ward and community coordinators to take the campaign to residents at the grassroots and ensure that information on available support services reaches those who need it.
The initiative builds on the AMAC Women 5 Voice unveiled by the council Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, during the launch of the LADDER Initiative on September 16. Izekor reaffirmed the council's commitment to protecting women and girls, urging victims and survivors to seek help rather than suffer in silence. She encouraged them to break the silence and call for help, emphasizing that they are not alone.
Key stakeholders are working together to ensure the success of the initiative. The campaign will take information on different forms of abuse, women's rights, available protection mechanisms, and safe channels for seeking assistance to markets, communities, and households across the council's 12 wards. By uniting to protect women and girls, AMAC aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for its residents.
Key points
- AMAC launches emergency helpline for GBV victims and witnesses
- Initiative aims to provide confidential channel for reporting cases and accessing support services
- Protecting women and girls is a collective responsibility, says Special Adviser on Women Affairs
