The Society for the Improvement of Rural People (SIRP) has passionately urged law enforcement agencies to ensure the diligent prosecution of perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This call to action was echoed during a seminar organized for officers of the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Enugu.
Dr. Chris Ugwu, the Executive Director of SIRP, emphasized the need for strict prosecution of GBV perpetrators, citing findings that revealed many GBV cases were resolved at the reporting stage, with victims’ families opting for out-of-court settlements. Ugwu urged security agencies to encourage victims’ families to allow the law to take its course rather than seeking private resolutions. He shed light on the prevailing issue where culprits often evade incarceration, and victims are pressured to perceive GBV as a “family affair.”
Ugwu also brought attention to the fact that men are equally susceptible to domestic violence but often suffer in silence due to societal expectations. This observation underscores the pervasive nature of GBV and the urgent need for comprehensive action.
Emphasizing the importance of the seminar, Mrs. Chioma Evelyn Joseph, the Program Manager at SIRP, reiterated the significance of raising awareness within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the NSCDC regarding GBV. She highlighted the seminar’s goal of equipping frontline personnel with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitude to address GBV effectively while enhancing their capacity to provide support and care for survivors.
Describing GBV as an abuse of power, Joseph underscored the pervasive impact of gender inequalities and harmful cultural practices in perpetuating such violence. She identified various factors contributing to GBV, including entrenched patriarchal systems, gender-based discrimination, and societal beliefs that reinforce male entitlement. Furthermore, she outlined the different forms of GBV, encompassing sexual, physical, emotional, psychological, verbal, cultural/religious, and economic abuse.
In addition to advocating for diligent prosecution, the seminar stressed the importance of using appropriate language when reporting on GBV. Mrs. Joseph cautioned against language that could lead to stigmatization, secondary victimization, and retraumatization, highlighting the need for sensitivity and empathy in addressing this critical issue.
The seminar’s focus on enhancing the response to GBV within law enforcement agencies signifies a crucial step toward creating a more just and supportive environment for survivors while holding perpetrators accountable.
By shedding light on the prevalence of GBV and addressing the systemic challenges associated with its prosecution, SIRP’s advocacy amplifies the urgency of combatting gender-based violence and fostering a society where justice and support prevail.
