Ruth Telule’s Story

Families: The First Line of Support in Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues to cast a dark shadow over societies worldwide, leaving survivors and their families to grapple with its devastating effects. While many focus on legislative reforms and community interventions, the role of families in combating GBV often goes overlooked. Yet, the family unit remains the first and most critical line of support for survivors.

Mrs. Ruth Telule’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative role families can play in the healing and empowerment of survivors.

A Mother’s Courage: Ruth Telule’s Story

As a mother of five, Ruth faced one of her greatest challenges when her eldest daughter returned home after enduring an abusive marriage. The decision to welcome her back, along with her two children, tested Ruth’s resolve as a mother, a community counselor, and a church mentor.

“It was not easy,” Ruth recalls. “As a counselor and mentor, people expected me to have all the answers, but I had to lean on God for strength and guidance.”

Despite societal judgment and the weight of her own expectations, Ruth embraced her daughter, offering her love, support, and counsel. She helped her daughter heal, rebuild, and ultimately thrive. Today, her daughter is an empowered woman, successfully working in the same role she once left due to the abuse.

The Role of Families in Ending GBV

Ruth’s story underscores that families are uniquely positioned to offer survivors a safe space to heal. Here’s how families can actively contribute to ending GBV:

1️⃣ Unconditional Support: Survivors often face rejection or judgment from their families, compounding their trauma. Embracing them with love and acceptance is the first step toward recovery.

2️⃣ Open Communication: Families should create environments where survivors feel safe to share their experiences without fear of blame or ridicule.

3️⃣ Guided Healing: Walking with survivors through their journey—offering emotional, spiritual, and psychological support—can empower them to rebuild their lives.

4️⃣ Challenging Stigma: By standing with survivors, families can help dismantle the societal norms and stigmas that perpetuate GBV.

5️⃣ Collaborating with Communities: Partnering with community groups, faith-based organizations, and counselors can provide survivors with additional layers of support.

A Call to Action for Parents and Guardians

As Ruth poignantly puts it:  “When issues arise, don’t give up on your child. Don’t throw them away. Walk with them, and God will provide the solution.”

Her words resonate deeply, reminding us that families are the bedrock of society and the first line of defense against GBV. Supporting survivors isn’t just about responding to violence—it’s about creating a foundation of love, acceptance, and resilience that can prevent future abuse.

Join the Fight Against GBV

Ending GBV requires collective action, and families are at the heart of this effort. At NGAAF, we are committed to empowering families to be part of the solution.

How can families better support survivors? We want to hear from you on WhatsApp: 070 1116 116 and Website: http://ngaaf.go.ke

Let’s work together to create a society where every survivor feels safe, supported, and empowered to rebuild their life.

Watch Ruth Telule’s story here: https://youtu.be/m7idm59LBFw

#EndGBV #RESET #EnoughIsEnough #16DaysOfActivism