The launch of the B.A.B.Y Book and Wellness Centre has brought renewed attention to the realities of sexual abuse and the importance of healing from trauma.
Founder and author Magdalena Shaalukeni says the initiative was born from her own journey of healing and the need to transform pain into purpose.
B.A.B.Y., which stands for Begin to Heal, Accept Your Scars, Build Resilience and Reborn, was founded by author Magdalena Shaalukeni as a platform to support survivors and encourage conversations around abuse and recovery.
"I wrote this book because I needed to put my pain somewhere."
She says sexual abuse remains a daily reality in Namibia, with many cases occurring within families and never reaching authorities.
Shaalukeni stressed that silence often protects perpetrators while survivors are left to carry the burden alone.
"Sexual assault is happening every single day in Namibia. Most of it happens behind closed doors within families, and many cases are never reported because people choose to protect the abuser."
She further noted that the boy child is also affected by abuse, often suffering in silence without adequate support systems.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Dr Emma Kantema highlighted government efforts to strengthen protection services for vulnerable children and survivors of abuse.
"In collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology and other stakeholders, we are advancing the Cybercrime Bill. This Bill focuses on criminalisation, investigation and institutionalising support and addresses gaps in the Child Care and Protection Act of 2015 by targeting modern digital threats, including child sexual exploitation issues of grooming and non-consensual sharing of materials.''
The minister says the government continues to strengthen the legal framework aimed at safeguarding children and addressing emerging threats.
"It is important to note that the Namibian Police Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Unit was sending it with social workers to ensure victims receive the necessary care and support. This is a coordinated effort, not a single initiative."
The task force will coordinate initiatives such as Safer Internet Day celebrations and promote awareness around online safety for children.
The launch concluded with a call for communities to break the silence surrounding abuse and create safe spaces where survivors can heal, speak out and rebuild their lives.