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By Nengi David
Center Manager, Salama Sexual Assault Referral Center covering southern part of Kaduna state, Grace Yohannah Abbin has called on the authorities concern for adequate punishment of perpetrators of gender based violence without sentiment, fear or favour so as to serve as a deterrent to others.
She said the reason some perpetrators are having a field day is because they are being covered up by some family members, community leaders and friends.
The center manager who spoke in a one day stakeholders seminar on ‘Gender Based Violence and Other Forms of Violence’ organized by ‘HIV/AIDS Positive Women and Orphans Initiative (HAPWOI)’ in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna state, described gender based violence as a serious crime that needs everybody’s contribution in tackling the menace.
Speaking on Prevention, Protection and Accountability, Abbin urged that perpetrators should not be protected but exposed and made to face the wrath of the law.
While stressing the need for survivors and witnesses to always speak out at a right time, she said the short and long time effect of keeping silent will lead the victim to one case or another including sexually transmitted infections, mental health problems, among others.
She noted that everybody has an important role to play in combating Sexual Gender Based Violence in the society by reporting to the response team for quick intervention.
Earlier in her speech, the Manager, HAPWOI, Mrs Victoria Ationg said they discovered that the underreported cases of gender based violence is spreading like wild fire across communities hence the need for the sensitization to bring all hands on deck in curbing the menace.
She advised parents and guardians to spend more time to guide their children and wards to save them from being victims of sexual violence and related vices.
“Ladies must be trained on how to dress decently and avoid exposing their nakedness. A child that is not trained may end up destroying the home and the community. Since charity begins at home, teach your children the way of the lord.” She added
According to her, the organization enrolled over 14,000 HIV/AIDS patients in their data across five local government areas which include Kachia, Kaura, Sanga, Lere and Zangon Kataf LGAs.
The highpoints of the meeting were introduction of Gender Based Violence Committee of HAPWOI and creation of Child Protection Committee across the three chiefdoms in Kaura local government area.
