Escalating cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), teenage pregnancies and drug abuse have resulted in committees being set up at Outjo in the Kunene Region to help bring the situation under control before it gets completely out of hand. 

Outjo Constituency Councilor, Johannes Antsino says his office is hard at work, collaborating with those committees that comprise private and public agencies, to integrate services and reach more people at risk.

Antsino explained the need for committees such as Pot of Hope to reach out to victims, following the alarming statistic of 100 cases of teenage pregnancies reported in the town in 2020. 

In 2021,10 cases of teenage pregnancies were reported of which five were minors under the age of 15 years. 

Another concern is school-going children being exploited as drug mules to generate money for families. 

According to the Councillor, drug dealers are making use of learners because the police will not suspect young children of carrying illegal substances.
So it's really a concern. 

Anstino adds that a community group was established to help identify victims of gender-based violence within households and offer mediation. 

Antsino highlights other challenges, including a lack of shelter for victims seeking safety from harm in the town.

He says the constituency will budget more for this once funds become available.

One intervention envisioned is a backyard garden at the center, where survivors can grow their own produce and learn to become less dependent on others.