Lockdowns imposed across Africa to contain the spread of Coronavirus have put the most vulnerable at the greatest risk. With schools, youth clubs and drop-in centres closed, many children no longer have access to safe spaces and safe adults. Some will experience abuse and neglect.
In Uganda we’ve already witnessed a spike in teenage pregnancies and child marriages, while in Rwanda children with disabilities may have been stuck in their communities who stigmatise them. In Ghana and Kenya, street connected children are more vulnerable and at risk of sexual abuse, while a strict lockdown in DRC means increasing numbers of young women have been stuck at home with abusive family members. Our partners have told us they’re fearful of a big rise in child trafficking.
Find out how our Survivors Support Fund will help: watch the video
How does the Survivors Support Fund work?
The fund allows us to provide fast, targeted support to survivors of abuse. Including survivors of sexual abuse, rape, physical abuse, psychological abuse and neglect, the Survivors Support Fund will ensure the child and their family, and others who have experienced trauma, will get the help they need.
We have a team of Safeguarding Superheroes, who are our partners in the field. They work tirelessly to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children and young people and will step in to provide the right support as soon as an incident is reported. For many children our safeguarding superheroes are considered safe adults and provide a safe space for them to open up about abuse they may have experienced. With a surge in reports due to lockdown and the economic impacts of COVID-19, our safeguarding superheroes are ready to listen and help, we need to ensure that they have all the resources they need to support children and young people.
How can I help?
To make sure the Survivors Support Fund can be there for everyone who needs it, we’re aiming to raise £5,000 in our September crowdfunder.
Any donation, large or small, could strengthen the Survivors Support Fund to allow more young survivors of abuse to access the support they need at this crucial time! Your support will help to fund anything from transport to medical centres and hospitals to therapy sessions for survivors and their families. A donation of £60 could provide a series of counselling sessions for a survivor.
