NGO launches toll-free number for victims of gender-based violence

ARDA Developmental Communication, a non-governmental organisation, has launched a toll-free interactive voice response (IVR) number to allow survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to seek counselling.

The NGO launched the initiative during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Lagos on Thursday. 

According to the organisation, using the toll-free number — 08000-20-20-20, survivors (SGBV) would be connected to speak with trained counsellors on their challenges.

Speaking at the launch, Data Phido, executive director of ARDA, said the initiative is coming at a time when people are going through a lot, especially sexual and gender-based violence. 

“Sometimes, when people are abused or traumatised, they want to remain anonymous. So we looked at how to provide a solution that will enable people who are traumatised to remain anonymous if that’s what they want,” she said.

“So we came up with the idea that we could have a solution that people can access, which will direct or refer them to where they can get any service they desire or information they want. 

“Also, hearing somebody — another human being — say, ‘what you have gone through is bad and wrong, but you’re not alone’ is a warm response at the moment when you are at your lowest, and that’s just why we came up with this.”

On her part, Tawakalit Kareem, ARDA’s senior project manager, said the technology-based solution is to provide smart counselling and referral services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Kareem said the initiative would ensure quick responses to people who need appropriate attention after battling SGBV. 

“We wanted to create a technology-based solution that will ensure that people can get access to healthcare at their own time,” she said.

“Through this toll-free number that we have, it means that if somebody calls the number, if they don’t want to speak with a counsellor face-to-face, they can get some level of support and help.

“And if it gets to a point where they feel like they are ready to speak with a human being to get direct concern and support, then the IVR service will provide referrals to those people to ensure they are secure.

“The IVR system will use an algorithm of responses customised for the target audience.”

She added that caller would get appropriate educational information requested or redirected to personnel at a pre-approved referral centre.

“The IVR beneficiaries, when appropriate, will also be referred to SGBV service providers, who will have received GBV and sensitisation training by the project team,” she added.

“We will connect survivors of gender-based violence with trained professionals in Lagos and Borno States who can provide care. 

“Also, we will expand the support net to cater for members of key populations in ways that prioritise their safety and do not further cause harm.

“The caller will incur no cost while using the toll-free number to seek support. Also, we will provide timely information, aided by technology and not designed specifically for smartphone usage.”