Freedom from Fear will increase Stepping Stones International's response to the spike in violence and child abuse in Botswana, Africa. Botswana is ranked as number 2 in the world for most rape cases per capita. Child sexual abuse is on the increase and families are in need of support. SSI provides counselling support, food and medication delivery, homework packets, safe shelter placements for fleeing survivors. Creating a safe place free from fear and violence will give hope to children.
There is a gender-based violence pandemic in Botswana, exacerbated by COVID pandemic, resulting in a significant increase in domestic and child abuse. There are a dearth of services and resources to support the children who are in need of counselling, welfare support and legal services. Many service providers are not trained in handling child sexual abuse and exploitation. We need your help to ensure children and families are free from fear of violence.
SSI will provide the following services: Psychosocial support for victims of abuse, neglect and violence (goal: 2000+ served); Provision of legal support; Safe shelter & advocacy for victims fleeing extreme violence (goal: 30+ served); Continuous education on GBV, children's rights through provision of educational materials from WHO and and Ministry of Local Government; Training for providers on Trauma-Informed Counseling; support to women to start businesses to be free from violence.
Your support will help SSI meet immediate and long-term needs of families by securing a community-wide response to prepare providers for the managing GBV. The effects of this influx of violence will linger, thus youth and families will require ongoing support, and providers will need increased capacity and training. SSI provides trauma counseling training and resource support to other service providers to ensure they are equipped to meet the needs of impacted families now & well-into the future.
