The clock ticks as the world continues to call for the end of violence of women and girls. The 2018 ‘16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence’ begins on November 25, which is the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, and culminates on December 10, Human Rights Day.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA) Nigeria joins the rest of world to stand up against Gender Based Violence. This year, FIDA Nigeria’s theme, focuses on the handling of Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases by Law Enforcement Agencies. FIDA Nigeria calls for the discontinuation of the culture of impunity, silence and the stigmatisation of survivors of violence brought about by poor handling of GBV reports by law enforcement agencies #HearMeToo.
This call is imperative as the rate of violence has escalated to an alarming level. According to UNwomen.org, one in three women worldwide experience gender based violence. Though physical violence is the most common form, it must be recognised that this ugly trend occurs in various forms. On a daily basis, we receive numerous reports of violence and sexual abuse from women and girls across the country. These numerous cases of violence have resulted in untold pain and hardship due to poor opportunities for reporting such cases.
FIDA Nigeria was instrumental to the passing of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act which passed in Nigeria in 2015, and this act recognises that violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economical and political. The Act is significant for not only recognising and punishing the various forms of violence that exist, but for also providing remedies for victims of violence. Despite this, many states are still yet to adopt the act and those that have adopted it, are not effectively implementing it.
FIDA Nigeria calls on the States of the Federation to adopt and implement the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act. FIDA Nigeria also calls on the Federal government to wake up to their responsibility and put appropriate mechanisms in place to to ensure safe spaces for survivors of Gender Based Violence. Our criminal justice system must also be reformed to ensure speedy investigation and prosecution of offenders. FIDA Nigeria thus calls on the States of the Federation to adopt and implement the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to ensure speedy dispensation of criminal trials.
FIDA Nigeria branches have also been enjoined to advocate to law enforcement agencies to institutionalise Gender Based Violence desks in designated police stations in all states of the federation.
We are also advocating for the training of the law enforcement agents that will be assigned to these desks, on the ways to properly handle Gender sensitive matters. Law enforcement agents must realise that it is essential to take a respectful and Do-No-Harm approach when handling such cases otherwise the survivors will not be heard festering victimization, culture of silence and stigmatization.
We also advocate for law enforcement agencies to ensure that handling of cases of GBV is captured as a budgetary line in their budgetary presentations.
Finally, society must realise that Gender Based Violence is not just a private family problem, but a societal problem that desperately needs to be addressed. Violence against women can be prevented if we all begin to realise and address the social, cultural, legal and economic factors that encourage such barbarism to foster in society.
FIDA Nigeria will continue to provide free legal representation and advice to survivors of Gender Based Violence. FIDA pledges to also provide legal representation for non- survivors of violence. The essence of our work is to promote, protect and preserve the rights of women and girls in society so please feel free to contact us with any reports of Gender Based Violence.
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