Stephanie Linus Daily

Tag: sexual harassment

  • Episode 10: Never Too Late #HeyWomanSeries

    Lola is a respected, successful banker making a name for herself in her professional and social circles. But at home in the eyes of her husband, she is nothing but a punching bag. How does she value herself and what kind of future will she choose?

    Too many women — no matter how smart, educated or powerful — tolerate abusive relationships for far too long. Outwardly, women may appear to be confident and smart, but inside, they only get their confidence and sense of value from being in a relationship. It’s a disturbing reality that has to change.  

    Our goal with this episode of the #HeyWomanSeries is to show people in abusive relationships/marriages that they can take their power back when they share their stories with the right people and when they make the right decisions.  

    If more people responded to victims’ stories of abuse with concern and compassion, instead of with criticism, more victims might speak up and find the support they need to live a life free of abuse. Breaking the silence against domestic violence is difficult but getting your life back is worth it!

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 9: Not This Time #HeyWomanSeries

    Ify thought she had met the man of her dreams online. After a series of chats, it was time to meet in person. But when he showed up, he was far from who she thought he was.

    In the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault, the actions carried out by a victim can be very instrumental in bringing a perpetrator to justice. While it’s natural to want to remove all signs of the attack that occurred, taking care to preserve all possible evidence will make it more likely that, if you do decide to file a report and press charges, justice can be served.

    The truth is that most victims find it difficult to show incredible courage in the face of overwhelming danger. And that is completely understandable. They might feel frightened, confused, or ashamed, and may not wish to subject themselves to the invasive nature of the reporting to the authorities or the evidence collection process.

    It is our hope that this video educates us and gives someone out there the courage to do the right thing. Let’s end this cycle of pain and shame, together.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 8: I WISH I HAD ANOTHER CHANCE #HeyWomanSeries

    After repeated incidents of battering and severe domestic abuse, Alero leaves her matrimonial home. But in a shocking response, her parents urge her to return to her abusive husband. What will be the outcome of this reckless decision?

    https://youtu.be/XPScWF_laro

    Each day, the safety and well-being of women across the nation are threatened by gender-based violence and psychological abuse. Remaining in such abusive relationships puts victims at a risk of more abuse, and even death.

    While there are barriers to escaping a violent relationship, it is not impossible with the right support. The longer you stay in an abusive relationship, the greater the physical and emotional toll. The only way to break the cycle of gender-based violence is to take action. We don’t have to lose any more women to domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in a controlling or abusive relationship, please speak out or seek help.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 7: What My Neighbor Did #HeyWomanSeries

    How do you respond to an abusive situation when the victim isn’t you, but someone close to you? What do you say? Should you do something? What difference does a neighbor’s intervention make when a life is at stake?

    People tend to not get involved in domestic abuse situations among friends, family members, neighbors and more even when they should. Part of the reason for our inaction may stem from the fact that most abuse happens behind closed doors and no one asked for our help. But victims truly do need our help.  

    There is no perfect formula to help a victim of domestic violence but with the proper education, we can all learn a variety of ways to show our support. We need to educate ourselves on how to deal with abuse when it does happen, or we risk ignoring the situation and leaving the victim to suffer.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 6: What My Neighbor Saw #HeyWomanSeries

    Someone you know is being abused. Would you call the authorities and put a stop to it or ignore the situation because it’s “none of your business”?…… A woman moves into a new house and finds her neighbours in the trap of violent relationships. What would she do?

    Knowing or thinking that someone you care about is in an abusive relationship can be very hard. You may want to rescue the victim or insist he/she leaves, but also think it’s not your decision to make. It’s normal to feel unsure about how to best approach this challenging situation. Silence, however, is never the best option.

    If you see or hear domestic violence in your neighbourhood or in a public place, you have a responsibility to do something. You can take steps to help in a discreet and wise manner. Everyone deserves healthy relationships.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 5: NA ME MARRY PASS #HeyWomanSeries

    What would you do if you had a wife who physically, verbally, and emotionally abuses you? What would do you if you feel humiliated by a controlling and abusive female partner? Is this an ideal situation? Should our society regard this as the norm?

    Women aren’t the only victims of domestic violence. Men are abused by their partners a lot more often than you may think. Along with fearing they wouldn’t be believed or would be seen as weak, men often stay in abusive relationships because they feel committed to or concerned about their partners. But this should not be the norm. Abuse is about power and control, and regardless of whether the victim is a man or a woman, it is never OK.

    In this episode of #HeyWomanSeries, we turn the spotlight on the men. Gender stereotypes dictate that men are in a position of power and so it is automatically assumed that only women are victims of domestic violence. Everyone – no matter their gender – deserves help.

    This short film was produced by Next Page Productions with support from UNFPA Nigeria.

  • Episode 1: The Student #HeyWomanSeries

    The prevalence of sexual harassment of female students in tertiary institutions is worrisome. Many students are threatened with exam failure or other disturbing consequences if they refuse to succumb. In this short film, we attempt to capture a scenario of how a young girl was able to get out of the trap of harassment.

    Sexual harassment thrives when perpetrators are able to subject their victims into silence. I would like to say to every young girl who might be experiencing this in one form or the other – you have a voice, and it is time to use it!

    In the first episode of the #HeyWomanSeries, we attempt to draw attention to this problem. Watch the short film and let’s have a conversation about your thoughts in the comment section.

    This project was supported by UNFPA Nigeria.