COVID-19 Botswana Project #46710

Covid-19 Freedom from Fear & Violence

by Stepping Stones International

Summary

Freedom from Fear will increase SSI's response to the spike in violence and child abuse in Botswana, Africa. The national lockdown increased stress on families and decreased access to services leading to poverty, hunger, depression & violence in the home with little to no reprieve for victims. SSI provides counselling support, food and medication delivery, homework packets, safe shelter placements for fleeing survivors and community education on Covid-19 preventative measures.

$7,000
total goal

$6,430
remaining

8
donors

0
monthly donors

2
years

Challenge

The pandemic and lockdown has exacerbated existing challenges resulting in a significant increase in domestic and child abuse as well as gender-based violence, particularly in rural areas of Botswana. Women and children can no longer access services or resources. Vulnerable families are also unable to obtain food and medication. For many communities in Botswana SSI is their only trusted beacon for help. We need your help to meet increased demand to ensure no children or families are left behind.

Solution

SSI will double the following services: Psychosocial support for victims of abuse, neglect and violence (goal: 2000+ served); Delivery of basic needs including food, medication, homework (goal: 480+ served); Safe shelter & advocacy for victims fleeing extreme violence (goal: 30+ served); Continuous education on Covid-19 preventative measures and updates through provision of educational materials from WHO and Ministry of Health and Wellness; Training for providers on Trauma-Informed Counseling.

Long-Term Impact

Your support will help SSI meet immediate and long-term needs of families by securing a community-wide response to prepare providers for the aftermath. 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.