Add your name to speak out against gender-based violence in Africa

Akoua* arrived at the emergency room at the Vogan Hospital in Togo, her head bleeding. She had been struck in the head with a machete by her husband during a domestic dispute.

At the hospital, Akoua met Rachel Akakpo, a medical doctor and trained paralegal through a Crossroads partner. Not only was Rachel able to treat Akoua's head wound, but she assisted Akoua further through her journey to safety and independence. Paralegals counsel victims of gender based violence to help them report abuse to the authorities, and provide psychological support to help victims remove themselves from abusive situations.

Globally, one in three women experience sexual or physical violence in her lifetime. Women and girls in Ghana, Swaziland, Tanzania and Togo are more likely to experience gender-based violence than their counterparts in North America and Europe.

Widespread gender discrimination within the society and political institutions in Africa limits women's rights and access to justice. Crossroads and its local partners are working to end this violence and empower women and girls to stand up for their rights.

It's time for girls and women to be free of fear and any sort of violence – domestic, sexual and otherwise.

Raise your voice and show your support for ending gender-based violence in Africa and globally.

*Name and image have been changed to protect the victim's privacy