Interface With Relevant Institutions In Tackling GBV Cases, Sifo Urges Case Managers

By Magnus Emuji

Gender Based Violence (GBV) case managers have been told not to relent in their efforts in tackling the menace but always interface with relevant instructions such as the law enforcement agencies and lawyers to ensure that the survivors get desired justice.

The Delta State Chairman of Civil Society Organization on Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) stated this in Asaba during the GBV quarterly coordination meeting .

Sifo said that the issue of GBV had become more prevalent in the society nowadays, especially in marriages , adding that the government recently organized 16 days of Activism against GBV as a deliberate approach to create awareness for people to fight against it.

He recalled that some GBV cases that were withdrawn by parents of the survivors even when the case managers handling such cases had reached advanced stages of prosecuting the offenders by the law enforcement agents. He said act by the parents and relatives of survivors, is very discouraging.

Sifo appreciated the Global Fund for providing resources for the C19 project implemented by ACOMIN, just as he commended the community based organizations and the case managers for their unwavering commitment towards the success of the project.

Earlier, the State Programme Officer, Juliet Obiajulu revealed that some GBV cases were recorded in Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Warri South , Udu and Uvwie local government areas.

The case manager for Udu Local Government Area, Mr. Paul Toghanro said that out of the three cases reported in Udu, one was the case of a child who was burnt with hot iron by a man he was living with, stressing that they had not been able to initiate any arrest of the perpetrator since the survivor’s family were not committed in prosecuting the offender, and the unavailability of a safe space for the survivor.

He also stated that a case of a 14 years old girl that was raped could not be prosecuted, noting that the mother of the girl said she was not interested in the matter apparently due to lack of finance, just as the case manager for Uwvie, Sonia Otone reported a case of a minor that was abused.

In their separate remarks, the state Chairpersons for NEPWHAN and TB Network Mr Christopher Ogberetitinor, and Mr Onyeukwu Chiedozie respectively, other partners present which include; the representative of FIDA, Vivian Onukwufor, the representative of Human Right Commission, Mr. Orobosa Idemudia and the State Malaria Programme Manager in Ministry of Health, Dr.(Mrs.) Julie Aniah as well as Linda Enete from the Delta State Police Command urged every individual in the society to contribute their quota in bringing GBV cases to zero level in the state.

Ogberetitinor reminded the case managers that there were channels of reporting GBV cases, emphasizing that there should be need for more enlightenment campaign to enable the communities understand channels of reporting the issue.

Speaking further, Dr.(Mrs.) Aniah described traditional institution/rulers and religious leaders as key in the quest for the eradication of GBV cases, even as she called for radio jingle in some local languages to sensitize the public on the importance of eliminating GBV.

Mr Anagu Chidera working with Hope assured Support Group also noted the need to work with local available resources in the community such as community vigilant group in addressing GBV cases as it has proved to work in other GBV project implemented by NEPWHAN in the State.