Tirham (whose name has been changed for security reasons), an Open Doors partner, provides counselling to women and girls who have been raped, kidnapped and/or used as sex slaves by Boko Haram fighters or Fulani militants. Many of them are specifically targeted for kidnapping because of their faith.
“So many things happen today that people outside Nigeria don’t really believe are happening, like many women being kidnapped, raped, some of them being killed. It’s clear to us but to the outside world it’s hidden,” Tirham said.
“Everywhere, people are attacked by armed robbers, kidnappers, Fulani militants and Boko Haram fighters. It feels like everybody is walking in a minefield and, at any moment, there might be an explosion. People carry hurt and wounds on their hearts and they need to be cared for.”
Tirham works with women who have suicidal thoughts because, after being freed by their kidnappers, they are often not accepted back by their families and communities. Without support, they cannot cope with the double trauma of being kidnapped and then rejected.
Tirham will testify to the stigma these women and girls face upon their return and share stories about how trauma care has helped survivors overcome this. She will also talk about the work Open Doors partners do to change the mind-set of husbands and communities from that of stigma to support.
The trauma care…
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