A group known as ‘She is More Support for Women Foundation’ has urged students to combat gender based violence and its tendencies in schools.
Speaking during the workshop organized by the foundation held at Owerri City Secondary School, and Comprehensive Secondary School, Owerri, recently, the Founder of She is More Support for Women Foundation, Dr. Oparaocha DivineGift Chinonso who spoke on the topic: sexual grooming, body autonomy, substance abuse and gender based violence said, “Gender based violence is any harmful act based on gender, including verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse often from someone familiar”.
She urged students to speak up when they feel unsafe or witness abuse, and reminded them that violence is never the victim’s fault. “Everyone deserves respect, and silence only empowers the abuser”.
“One of the most important parts of our visit was educating the students about the strategies used by groomers which are people who try to win the trust of young individuals with the goal of manipulating or abusing them later. We explained that grooming often begins in subtle ways”.
DivineGift described that groomer might give gifts regularly, offer excessive compliments, try to spend time alone with the student, encourage secrets or discourage the student from talking to others, make the student feel “special” or more mature than their peers, adding that these tactics are designed to break down a young person’s natural defenses and create emotional dependence, making it easier for the groomer to take advantage of them later.
She stressed the importance of recognizing these red flags early and speaking to a trusted adult or school authority if they notice someone exhibiting this type of behavior.
“We reminded students that any adult who truly cares about them will never ask them to keep secrets from their parents, guardians, or teachers”.
Talking about substance abuse and its dangers, DivineGift said, “There’s need to addresse substance abuse as a key concern among youth, highlighting its impact on individuals and communities”.
“Students learned about commonly misused substances like alcohol, cigarettes, tramadol, and cannabis. We stressed how peer pressure often leads to harmful choices and serious consequences like addiction and mental health issues. Students were encouraged to say “no” and seek support when facing emotional challenges”.
The medical practitioner urged students to continue to remain alert to the potential offenders and report to the appropriate authority.
