The Bauchi State Coordinator of the 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 line of duty.
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 frequently exposed to distressing cases, especially 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,” she said.
The NHRC Coordinator noted that continuous reporting on GBV and constant engagement with victims and survivors often leave journalists emotionally burdened. She encouraged female journalists to investigate grassroots cases to deepen public understanding of the issue.
In her presentation, Dala also emphasized the importance of adhering to guidelines for reporting on children while protecting the privacy and dignity of survivors.
She added that enriching media content with GBV-related issues and intensifying sensitization in the media space remain critical.
“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,” she stressed.
By Lizzy Carr
