Gracious Ewach Faith
Have you ever found yourself in a space where your voice was meant to soar, but instead, you were silenced? You probably entered a debate tournament, classroom, or workplace eager to grow, share your ideas, and prove your skills. But something went terribly wrong. And instead of finding support, you faced harassment, neglect, or subtle forms of manipulation. You tried to speak out, but no one listened. Worse, they blamed you. It felt like everyone around you accepted this as normal.
These situations don’t just happen in one type of environment. Whether in a debate room, a school, a workplace, or at home, spaces meant to empower us can sometimes become places of fear and isolation. The trauma from such experiences stays longer than it should, leaving scars that are often invisible but deeply felt. Even if you weren’t physically or sexually abused, the emotional turmoil, neglect, and enforced silence can be just as damaging. Your confidence shatters, and the very environment that should uplift you becomes a source of anxiety, self-doubt, and despair.
The Hidden Wounds of Neglect and Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse and neglect are insidious. Unlike physical abuse, which often leaves visible marks, these forms of mistreatment attack your sense of self-worth, eroding your confidence over time. In debate spaces, schools, and workplaces, this can take the form of belittling comments, exclusion from group activities, or a failure to provide necessary support. At home, it might manifest as a lack of affection, emotional unavailability, or being held to impossible standards.
The Bible reminds us of the intrinsic value of every human being: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Every person, regardless of their background, has inherent dignity and worth that must be protected. When someone undermines this through abuse or neglect, the consequences are devastating.
Individuals who experience these forms of abuse often internalize the negative messages they receive. They might begin to believe they are unworthy of love, respect, or success. This internalization can lead to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and in some cases, self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Such a person may never find their voice again and will be accused of being nervous yet not all nerves are stage fright. Abuse shouldn’t silence the power of speaking up or engaging in healthy debate. Every strong voice deserves a safe space to be heard.
In spaces designed for personal and professional growth, safeguarding must be a priority. Safeguarding isn’t just about protecting against physical harm; it’s about ensuring that every environment allows individuals to thrive without fear of harassment, neglect, or emotional abuse. That is why at Debate Institute Africa, we refuse to accept abuse and neglect as the norm, not just in debate spaces but everywhere. We believe every voice deserves to be heard, every person deserves protection, and everyone—whether at home, in school, or the workplace—must remain vigilant in safeguarding those around them. Safeguarding isn’t a one-time task; it’s a continuous process that requires awareness, education, and commitment. As Christians, we commit to protecting the vulnerable and standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9). This mandate extends to every aspect of our lives.
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. Whether you are a debate organizer, teacher, employer, or caregiver, your role goes beyond just facilitating activities or managing tasks. You must ensure these spaces are safe and free from the shadows of harassment, neglect, and abuse. This means implementing safeguarding policies that are more than just words on paper—they must be actively enforced and embedded into the culture of the organization or environment.
As a debate organizer, teacher, or employer, you hold a position of power and influence that shouldn’t be abused. You must create an environment where everyone feels safe and valued. This includes setting clear expectations for behavior, providing resources and support for those who may struggle, and ensuring that clear procedures are in place for reporting and addressing concerns. The Bible calls leaders to shepherd their flock, caring for those under their care with compassion and diligence: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve” (1 Peter 5:2).
Are you a Judge, Educator, and(or) Supervisor? Your role is not just to evaluate performance or deliver content; it is to protect the young minds and individuals in your care. Equip yourself and be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect, know how to respond appropriately, and take action when necessary. Your awareness and actions can prevent harm and promote a positive, nurturing environment.
Participants, Students, and Employees, too, have a role to play in safeguarding. Remain mindful of your surroundings and the behavior of those around you. Just because someone seems trustworthy doesn’t mean they are. Be cautious, ask questions, and speak up if something feels wrong. Emotional manipulation and exploitation can hide behind friendly faces and authoritative roles. Remember, you have the right to feel safe and respected in every space you occupy.
The Bible calls us to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8). In the safeguarding angle, this means not only protecting others from harm but also ensuring justice when abuse or neglect occurs. It means showing mercy to those who are hurting and providing them with the support they need to heal.
Taking Action: Practical Steps for Safeguarding
Education and Training: One of the most effective ways to prevent abuse and neglect is through education and training. At Debate Institute Africa, we commit to providing comprehensive training for coaches, judges, educators, and leaders. This training covers recognizing abuse, responding appropriately, and the importance of creating a culture of safety and respect.
Clear Reporting Procedures: Clear procedures for reporting concerns are crucial. Everyone should know who to contact if they witness or experience abuse, and they should feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously. Reporting isn’t just an option—it’s a responsibility. When reporting, include every detail and ensure confidentiality is maintained.
Creating a Culture of Respect: Safeguarding is not just about reacting to incidents of abuse; it’s about creating a culture where such incidents are less likely to occur in the first place. Foster an environment of mutual respect, where everyone’s voice is valued and where differences are celebrated rather than used as a basis for discrimination or mistreatment.
In the end, safeguarding isn’t just about preventing abuse; it’s about ensuring that every environment—whether a debate hall, a classroom, a workplace, or a home—is a place where voices are uplifted, not silenced. It’s about creating spaces where everyone—organizers, teachers, employers, family members—can engage freely, fairly, and fearlessly. The Bible teaches us that we are our brothers’ keepers. We have a moral and spiritual obligation to protect those around us, speak out against injustice, and create safe spaces for all. Let’s break the silence. Let’s protect the voices that deserve to be heard. Together, we can make every space not just safe, but truly empowering.