Police, NGO collaborate on ending sexual assault and rape in Lagos.

The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), a Non-Governmental Organization incorporated in 2016 by Dr Kemi Da-Silva Ibru, to address the spike in incidence of sexual assault, rape and human trafficking occurring among young girls and women across Nigeria recently staged an interactive session in conjunction with the Lagos State Police to advocate against the sexual violence.

The interactive session which involved the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni and his area commanders from across Lagos held at the Police Officers Mess in Ikeja.

During the event, Dr. Da-Silva spoke on the importance of a society where women are free from sexual assault, violence and rape encouraging the Nigerian Police to report cases to sexual assault and rape seen at the stations to government referral centres such as the WARIF Centre in Yaba, where adequate medical treatment and counselling can be given to victims.

In addition, other preventive measures against rape, human trafficking, and sexual assault were discussed at the interactive session with a link to the implementation of a Youth Based Awareness Program in secondary schools and higher institutions by WARIF.

It was learnt that the curriculum will create awareness on the importance of gender equality, a change in behavior and practices and the prevention of gender based violence in schools and communities.

Dr. Da-Silva who is also a member of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team emphasized that it is “important to create a society that speaks out against these acts, supports and protects the survivors and encourages the punishment of perpetrators”.

In his remarks, the Lagos Police Chief, CP Fatai Owoseni stated that “the Police is always willing and ready assist survivors with the care they need. All survivors will be encouraged to visit the government referral centers for adequate and urgent care.”

 

Source: Inside Mainland