Human Rights Agenda Network, a network of NGOs and individuals working to promote and protect human rights in Nigeria Thursday launched a reporting website for victims and survivors of sexual violence to make reports and receive timely responses.
In a statement signed by Chisom Ihekwaba, HRAN Coordinator said the innovation was brought to fruition with support from Grand Challenges Canada.
The website which is open to everyone regardless of location, will receive reports on rape, sexual assault, defilement and other forms of sexual violence.
He said the primary aim of this initiative is to increase reportage on sexual violence from any part of the country, particularly, the focal state, Enugu State, without fear of victimization or stigmatization.
The reporting platform also allows survivors and complainants gain access to medical, legal, and psychological support from HRAN’s team of expert.
The easy-to-use platform will also assist in building evidence for survivors of sexual violence towards ensuring a holistic response on rape and sexual assault. Reports can be made on www.reportrasa.org.
HRAN in implementation of its project titled, Expanded Legal Support to Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault in Enugu State, HRAN has partnered with the Sexual Assault and Referral Centre (SARC) of the project state to provide, legal support for victims and survivors of sexual violence; psychological and medical support for over 2,500 survivors; as well as strengthen the capacity of critical actors comprising the police, lawyers, monitors, and healthcare givers, to effectively tackle sexual violence and obtain redress for victims.
The project will also focus on creating awareness on sexual violence, remedies available to survivors, as well as promoting support for survivors. The timely nature of this intervention cannot be overemphasized, considering the recent wave in sexual violence across the country, under the
COVID-19 pandemic.
In this regard, HRAN extends a hand of partnership to sexual assault referral centers across the nation and all well-meaning Nigerians to eliminate the scourge of rape and sexual assault in the
country.
The right of citizens to their sexual and reproductive health must be protected at all times and HRAN encourages such thematic partnership drives and interventions, the statement availed.
