Gulu, Uganda – The International Justice Mission, a global organization that protects vulnerable people from violence, launched an initiative last Friday aimed at ending violence against women.
Lillian Ayebale, Senior Manager at International Justice Mission (IJM) Uganda says the importance of speaking out against violence, assault, and domestic abuse can end violence against women.
The remark was made during the launch of the Speak Campaign and also commemorated Dorothy Acen, a former staff member at IJM who was brutally murdered by her boyfriend, who proceeded to take his own life on June 10, 2016.
Like many young women, Dorothy hoped to get married and have children when she met Norbert in 2015, and not long after that, they started living together at his ancestral home in Alokolum, which in the olden days was still in Nwoya district before demarcating to Gulu City. Norbert started being violent towards her, claiming that she was having an affair, and beat her several times, she narrated.
“On June 9, 2016, all seemed normal as the neighbors witnessed Dorothy and Norbert washing clothes together before they both left home. They returned later that evening, and Dorothy started preparing dinner. They entered the house without incident, presumably settling in for the night, and all was quiet. The next morning, as was his routine, her brother Opiyo arrived at Dorothy’s home at about 9:20 a.m. He pushed the door open as it was slightly ajar and was horrified to see the lifeless body of Norbert hanging off a beam on the ceiling.
Later, a man who turned out to be Norbert’s brother arrived, rushed straight into the house, and exited shortly after realizing that Dorothy was lying dead on the bed, just behind the curtain,”. she narrated.
According to Ayebale, reporting incidents of violence against women is not enough; it’s about ensuring family safety.
She explains that Ugandan women and girls face a cycle of violence, from pre-puberty genital mutilation to early marriages, violence within marriages, and potential land and property disposition when widowed, perpetuating a cycle of violence throughout their lives as violence against women remains widespread.
She, however, says that domestic violence thrives due to fear of disclosure and backlash. It’s crucial for survivors to seek help, report abuse, and seek accountability.
“They must speak out before it’s too late, preventing harm and saving lives. Supporting survivors is essential to preventing harm and loss,” she explained.
Sharon Twikorize, IJM Senior Manager on Advocacy and Community Engagement, says the campaign will help reduce stigma in the community around reporting.
Goretti Okech, the District Community Development Officer, urged the survivors to continue amplifying their voices and their actions to make the campaign relevant and meaningful.
“No partner is worth misery, pain, and mental breakdown, especially when they are the perpetrators. Relationships should be enjoyed and celebrated, and victims should not make them cosmetic by pretending happiness when they are not. If they get struck sick by violence, they should speak, shout, and not keep quiet,” she said.
She also blamed victims of abuse who often cling to abusive relationships, where both males and females experience the violence.
Jane Frances Amongin Okili, the Resident City Commissioner Gulu, says parents should learn to teach their children well and be exemplary, especially during their marriage, so that they don’t indulge in violence but rather portray good times in marriage.
She further says it is better to dialogue than provoke, adding that alcohol has been the major factor that has contributed to violence against women.
According to Okili, men too suffer in silence because they fear coming out to tell their other side of the story. But rather, it is better to encourage everybody to speak.
She urges women to cool down when their partner is drunk by waiting for his soberness, then discuss the issue and resolve it at once.
“It is all of us, and we should speak about it, citing Dorothy, who did not talk and later died in silence.”
She appealed to IJM to continue with the initiative, believing that it would one day yield fruit.
Gulu District GBV database from November 2023 to May 2024 shows that Domestic violence is leading with 1,917 cases registered, followed by Denials of resources, opportunities and services with 925, Physiological abuse was 461, Physical assault was 255, Defilement cases were 76, Sexual assault was 52, rape was 51, forced marriages were 30 and Child marriages were 14.
The statistics clearly state that violence against both women and men are real and it is important to recognize that victims may not always be aware of their experiences, which are crucial to speak out when they feel threatened.
