The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice M.A. Dipeolu, has called for improved legal structures to protect survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), describing sexual violence as “a fundamental assault on human dignity.”
Justice Dipeolu made the call in Abeokuta during a sensitization programme organized by the Headfort Foundation for Justice, targeted at educating women, particularly those in rural and underserved communities about their rights and the steps required to report and seek justice after experiencing sexual violence.
Represented at the event by Hon. Justice Adetokunbo Jibodu, the Chief Judge emphasised the judiciary’s commitment to providing a justice system that is both speedy and survivor friendly. She outlined critical laws available to protect victims, including the Ogun State VAPP Law (2017) which broadens the definition of rape and provides for compensation; the Criminal Code Act, which prescribes life imprisonment for rape under Section 357; and the Child Rights Act (2003), which mandates child-sensitive handling of defilement and offences involving minors.
Justice Dipeolu stressed that judicial processes must avoid re-traumatizing survivors and ensure that cases of sexual violence are treated as urgent. She urged law enforcement officers to strengthen their Gender Desks, ensure proper evidence preservation, and treat survivors with empathy.
She further highlighted the key role medical personnel play in accurate documentation through the Police Medical Form.
Commending the Headfort Foundation’s continued advocacy, the Chief Judge called for collective action among lawyers, civil society groups, community leaders, and religious institutions to break the longstanding culture of silence surrounding sexual violence.
“Justice must be impartial and accessible to all, irrespective of the power or status of the accused,” she said. “Our courtrooms must become places where survivors find dignity restored, not fear.”
She added that pro bono legal services, psychosocial support, community sensitization, and constant legal reforms remain essential in closing the gap between violence and justice. The Chief Judge reiterated that survivors should never feel alone in their pursuit of justice.
Speaking on the purpose of the initiative, Miss Oluwakemi Adenekan, Senior Programmes Manager for Headfort Foundation for Justice, explained that the organisation’s work forms part of broad human rights advocacy to ensure access to justice for survivors. According to her, many victims struggle with trauma, silence, and stigma, which often prevent them from seeking help or reintegrating into their communities.
“We educate women about their rights after sexual violence and work with partners like the Nigerian Bar Association and our donor foundations to ensure survivors receive legal and psychosocial support,” she said.
Adenekan emphasized the need for women to understand the reporting process, adding, “These women must be bold enough to speak up, report cases, and know the step-by-step processes required from the point of assault to obtaining justice.” She noted that although awareness has grown due to multi-stakeholder efforts, sexual violence remains widespread and demands sustained institutional action
The Headfort Foundation pledged to continue its work across remote communities by strengthening survivor support networks, increasing reporting rates, and improving linkages between communities and justice institutions. “Our goal is to ensure that every participant understands the legal steps required after an incident, knows where to seek help, and feels empowered to speak up,” Adenekan added. The Foundation also expressed gratitude to its donor partner, the African Women Development Fund (AWDF).
The event featured two panel sessions that examined the need for survivors to speak out against SGBV. One session, facilitated by representatives from Arogi Trauma Care, the Gender Development Initiative, and the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), focused on mental health support for survivors.
The second session addressed access to justice for sexual violence cases and featured representatives from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), the FIDA Ogun State Chairperson, Mrs. Taiwo Olusesi, Ogun State Judiciary’s Mrs. Olukemi Adebo, the SARC Manager, the Head of the Gender Department, and officials of the Nigerian Police Force, Ogun State.