Expert seeks psychotherapy support for Journalists in Bauchi.

By Lizzy Carr

The Bauchi State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Yachit Dala, has called for the inclusion of psychotherapists in media organizations to help reduce the trauma experienced by journalists in the course of their duties.

Yachit Dala made the call on Thursday during a capacity-building workshop organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Bauchi.

She explained that journalists are constantly exposed to distressing cases, especially issues relating to gender-based violence (GBV), which could negatively affect their mental health.

“There is need for every media organization to have a psychotherapist. This will support journalists in overcoming mental stress arising from their field engagements and reporting assignments”.

The NHRC Coordinator noted that continuous reporting of GBV cases and constant engagement with victims and survivors often leaves journalists emotionally burdened. She also encouraged female journalists to investigate grassroots cases in order to deepen public understanding of the issue.

In her presentation, Dala further highlighted the importance of adhering to guidelines for reporting on children, as well as protecting the privacy and dignity of survivors.

She stressed that enriching media content with GBV-related issues and intensifying sensitization in the media space could not be overemphasized.

“Journalists should also investigate the root causes of GBV and its prevalence in society. Through this, perpetrators can be brought to justice and the occurrence of such cases reduced”.