By Abiodun Busari |
Founder of the Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF), Halima Layeni, has revealed that more than 8,000 boys and men have benefitted from the platform’s mental health counselling, education and mentorship programme.
Layeni also said has exposed 128 cases of sexual abuse in Lagos state schools, in the course of rendering human service to society through the organisation.
She made this known in an interview with The Development News Magazine, as she said the vision of the organisation is to help survivors of abuse heal and find their voice.
Reasons for the establishment of LAAF
Speaking on the reason why the LAAF was established, Layeni said she was also a survivor of sexual abuse which she experienced at the age of six, the reason she launched the organisation in 2017.
Layeni said, “I was sexually abused at age 6 by friends and family folks who were meant to have protected me. After suffering many years of pain and trauma, I finally gathered the courage to rise above my pain and decided not to be defined by my experience.
“I established the Life After Abuse Foundation in 2017 with the vision to help survivors of abuse heal and find their voice – our message was centred around the possibility of completely recovering from the trauma of abuse as well as living a fulfilling life while at it – one filled with purpose and love. The organization is meeting the needs of survivors.
“In the course of our work, I uncovered 128 cases of child sexual abuse in state schools in Lagos, Nigeria. We started the process of rehabilitation for these survivors. We took them from their homes to a social support Centre where they accessed free medical, legal and psychological support.
“It wasn’t long until we found out our efforts were counter-productive as some of these girls after therapy, went back home to the abusers who continued to defile them.”
Organisational goals
LAAF was founded to provide safe and supportive services to survivors of sexual abuse, as well as to raise awareness of the prevalence and effect of sexual assault confronting both males and females, Layeni said.
“The organizational goals of Life After Abuse Foundation include providing safe and supportive services to survivors, including crisis intervention, counselling, and legal advocacy; raising awareness about the prevalence and impact of abuse on both male and female survivors of abuse, especially those from under-represented communities and groups.
“Collaborating with other organizations, agencies, and community leaders to address systemic issues that enable abuse and prevent survivors from accessing resources; empowering survivors to become advocates for themselves and their communities by offering leadership and advocacy training.
“Increasing access to resources and support networks, including shelter, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities; and measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of services and programs.”
Achievements
Speaking on the laudable feats LAAF has recorded, she spoke about helping males with mental health, saying, “We then decided to launch an initiative to educate boys and men on consent and women’s rights and emotional stability. The initiative soon expanded to private and public sectors, we were invited to sensitive men on healthy masculinity. We engaged policymakers, and men in religious, educational and corporate establishments.
“LAAF men’s mental health initiative geared towards helping battered boys and men is unique because it addresses a critical gap in mental health awareness campaigns and domestic violence response efforts. In many societies, men’s mental health is still stigmatized and misunderstood, with the result that men are often less likely to seek help for mental health issues. The project aims to address this issue by actively raising awareness about men’s mental health and encouraging men to seek help.
“The initiative offers vital support to a marginalized population – battered boys and men. Domestic violence against men is often not given the same level of attention as violence against women, leaving male victims without the necessary social and institutional support.
“The project geared towards supporting battered boys and men fills this gap, offering a safe and supportive environment for men and boys to seek help, receive counselling, and access essential resources.”
She noted that, “Our Men’s Initiative served as a catalyst towards expanding our network on a global level. In the space of 6 months, we directly impacted more than 6,000 males in 4 countries and 8 States. We challenge the government to take action in the area of advancing men’s mental health. The initiative received global attention by emerging as a finalist in the UN Sustainable Development Program. In March 2023, LAAF was awarded an honorary award as the Mental Health NGO of the Year by Africa’s leading Therapist.”
Partnership strengths
Layeni also spoke about the partnership with other organisations, stating that, “We have had the privilege of working with and being recognized by some global reputable brands like the UN, the US government and Change.org and Global Women Treaty.
“We also currently have a fast-growing community of more than 400 young change-makers, advocates, skilled professionals and volunteers who continue to volunteer their skills to champion the men’s mental health cause.”
She disclosed that there are mechanisms created for people to get help from Life After Abuse Foundation which include non-judgmental space, and technology among others.
“We create a safe and non-judgmental space. Men may not seek mental health support if they feel they will be judged or stigmatized. Creating an environment that is safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental can help make men feel more comfortable seeking help.
“We constantly raise awareness on men’s mental health. Many men may not be aware of the mental health services or coping mechanisms available to them. LAAF raises awareness by launching awareness campaigns, partnering with other organizations, and hosting events focused on mental health.
“We offer support through technology. Some men feel more comfortable accessing mental health services online and through telemedicine. LAAF offers virtual support groups, one-on-one counselling, and other online resources to help men access care more easily.
“Going out into the community to connect with men who may not seek services on their own is another mechanism. Partnering with other organizations, going to schools, and hosting events at community centres help expose boys and men to the services available to them.
“Providing education, some men may not understand the benefits of mental health support. A non-profit can provide education on what mental health is, why it is important, and how to recognize when someone needs support.”
Lastly, she spoke about how LAAF harnesses resources to oil the wheels of the organisation.
She asserted, “LAAF developed a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure donations and grants from individual and organisational donors.
“LAAF builds partnerships and collaborations with individuals and organizations to leverage resources and expertise
“We recruit volunteers to assist with tasks such as event planning, administrative work, and fundraising efforts
“We have developed a strong social media presence to increase visibility and engage supporters
“We maximize the use of technology and automation to streamline processes and reduce costs where possible.”
Lastly, she spoke about how LAAF harnesses resources to oil the wheels of the organisation.
She asserted, “LAAF developed a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure donations and grants from individual and organisational donors.
“LAAF builds partnerships and collaborations with individuals and organizations to leverage resources and expertise
“We recruit volunteers to assist with tasks such as event planning, administrative work, and fundraising efforts
“We have developed a strong social media presence to increase visibility and engage supporters
“We maximize the use of technology and automation to streamline processes and reduce costs where possible.”
Men’s Support Centre
The Foundation also disclosed that a Men’s Support Centre facility would be inaugurated to take care of the needs of men, and solicits for people’s financial assistance.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Men’s Support Centre building fund – the first of its kind in Africa. Our centre’s primary goal is to provide battered men and boys with essential medical, psychosocial and legal support, helping them recover and rebuild their lives. Through our efforts, we hope to bring these vital support services to communities in need, ensuring that all male victims of sexual and domestic violence have access to the resources they need to heal and thrive,” she said.
Below are the account details for making donations to the Life After Abuse Foundation:
Account Name: Life After Abuse Foundation
Bank: Guaranty Trust Bank
Account Number:
NGR – 0267561215
USD – 0748634890
GBP – 0748634900
EUR – 0749634917
Online giving: paystack.com/pay/laaf
