The Nasarawa State government has vowed not to spare anyone caught perpetrating gender-based violence (GBV), irrespective of the relationship with the victim.
Ms Aisha Rufa’i-Ibrahim, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, stated this at an event to mark the 16-day activism against GBV on Monday in Lafia, the state capital.
Rufa’i-Ibrahim said the action became imperative given the increasing cases of GBV in the state despite the efforts by the government and other stakeholders.
According to her, most times, perpetrators of this type of violence are either relations of the victims or neighbours as well as colleagues.
“When such perpetrators are arrested, oftentimes, family members, friends, and prominent people in society try to intervene to help save them from facing the law.
“The state government will be very hard on the perpetrators going forward to serve as a deterrent to others and ensure justice for the victims,” she said.
The commissioner encouraged survivors, victims, and their family members to always speak out to enable the government to take action against the perpetrators.
She noted that the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration had 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 also acknowledged the contributions of traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations to the fight against GBV in the state.
However, she said more was still needed to strengthen collaboration between the government and other stakeholders to tackle the menace.
Ms Rufa’i-Ibrahim called on parents and guardians to empower the girl-child economically, educationally, and politically to reduce their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
The commissioner also rolled out the series of activities outlined to create awareness about the danger of abusing and exploiting a person as a result of their gender.
“The ministry, in collaboration with partners, will hold community engagement campaigns, rallies, and school outreach programs, among others,” she stated.