The Nasarawa State Government vows to prosecute anyone caught perpetrating gender-based violence (GBV) in the state.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aisha Rufai, stated this in an event to commemorate the 16-day activism against GBV on Monday in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital.
She further explained that the action became imperative because of the increasing cases of GBV in the state despite the efforts by the government and other stakeholders.
The Commissioner said that most times, perpetrators of GB violence are either relations of the victims or neighbours as well as colleagues.
Rufa’i-Ibrahim added that when such perpetrators were arrested often times, family members, friends, and prominent people in the society began to intervene to help save them from facing the law.
She said that Nasarawa State Government would be very hard on the perpetrators going forward to serve as deterrent to others and ensure justice for the victims.
The women affairs commissioner also encouraged survivors and victims, as well as their family members, to always speak out to enable the government to take action against the perpetrators.
She disclosed that the Governor Abdullahi Sule led administration in the state has done a lot towards ensuring the protection of women and children against abuse of any kind.
“We have established a Sexual Assault Referral Centre at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital as well as a Shelter Home for victims of GBV.
“We have also activated a free medical treatment for rape victims thereby removing barriers to accessing care and support,” she added.
The commissioner noted the contributions of traditional and religious leaders, community leaders as well as Non-Governmental Organisations toward the fight against GBV in the state.
She said that more was still needed to be done to strengthen collaboration between the government and other stakeholders to tackle the menace.
She called on parents and guardians to empower the girl-child economically, educationally, and politically to reduce their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
The commissioner, therefore, rolled out the series of activities outlined to create awareness about the danger of abusing and exploiting a person because of his or her gender.
“The Ministry, in collaboration with partners, will hold community engagement campaigns, rallies, and school outreach programs, among others. (Follow www.krestnews.com).