TheCable

Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos state governor, says sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is an evil act that must be stamped out in the country.

Ibijoke spoke during the launch of Idera Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Alimosho General Hospital, Lagos, on Thursday.

She said the establishment of the centre confirms the commitment of the state to tackle SGBV.

“The centre has been equipped with facilities and manpower to provide victims with support such as counselling and psychological support, medical test on infections and sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, drug as well as sensitisation and awareness programmes,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“It is particularly reassuring and comforting that this centre has been strategically established in Alimosho which currently carries the huge burden of the local government area in the state with the highest cases of domestic and sexual violence.

“In January, a total of 24 SGBV cases against adult were recorded while in February, the council recorded 21 cases.

“Without any doubt, this centre will greatly facilitate the necessary care for victims of SGBV.

“Lagos has zero-tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence. It is an evil act that must not be tolerated.”

She enjoined women to be proactive and to spread the campaign against SGBV.

Danladi Plang, national programme manager of the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Programme (RoLAC), said the data on SGBV is alarming as cases are increasing.

“This crisis calls for action, comprehensive support from both state and federal governments,” he said.

“For us, it goes beyond the establishment of the SARCs, there are many things we have identified as really crucial to dealing with sexual assaults and violence.

“We have mentioned legislation which is important because if we have a very effective policy, it is able to galvanise action by all stakeholders who will use that as a framework and foundation to agree and deal with the situation, and help society at large to fight it.”

Stephen Forbes, who represented Lucy Pearson, British council director of operations, said victims must be encouraged to speak up and seek help.

He said: “We have heard about the need for justice and how difficult that can be with these types of crimes as the criminals depend on silence and the culture allows them to get away with what they are doing; how difficult it is for the survivors to make sure their abuse, experience is heard.

“The system has to be changed so that it is survival friendly. So the culture and the system needs to be changed.”