TheCable

Rifkatu Gwandi, permanent secretary, ministry of women affairs and social welfare in Adamawa, says the government’s commitment to the implementation of VAPP legislation has reduced cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the state.

VAPP is an acronym for Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.

NAN reports that Gwandi spoke on Tuesday during an interview in Yola, the state capital.

She said there are still cases of GBV but the frequency of complaints has reduced significantly due to support from partners and stakeholders.

“Though we still have reports here and there but it is not as it was before,” she said.

“The frequency has drastically reduced because the perpetrators are always brought to book and justice is ensured for the victim.

“Advocacy is also being carried out by the ministry while other stakeholders have really been of help.

“If we do not hear the voices of victims, the perpetrators will continue to do whatever they are doing because they feel nothing will happen to them.

“So I call on parents, school heads and stakeholders to be in the vanguard of making sure that what is heard about GBV is not kept secret.”

The permanent secretary said the state government has participated in series of activities to mark the 2023 ’16 days of activism’ against gender-based violence.

She called on stakeholders not to relent in fighting GBV, adding that the ministry is open to collaborations.