In line with efforts to eradicate every form of gender-based violence in the country, stakeholders have called on the government and relevant stakeholders to establish more policies that will aid in strengthening the Nigerian justice system.
The call was made during a media briefing on the increasing rate of violence against women in Abuja by the Association for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nigeria (AONN).
National Coordinator of the group, Marcus Williams expressed worry that the high level of Gender-based violence in the country has become too alarming for stakeholders to ignore.
He said the group was earnestly advocating the implementation of a national framework and passage of key legislation to ensure the menace is curbed in the country through the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
He warned that to end the menace all stakeholders both at the national and grassroots level must join hands to demand justice for victims.
The group has also called for the domestication of the Violence against Persons and Prohibited Act which provides for a sex offenders register, saying such records will dissuade intending offenders from committing such crimes and reduce incidents of gender-based violence.
This 16 days of activism against gender-based violence is aimed at pushing zero-tolerance for violence against women and girls. Therefore, all stakeholders at all levels including National, State and Community must work together to strengthen access to justice.
He advised stakeholders to advocate for an enhanced data collection system on gender-based violence, increased investment in service provision, amplify the role of women leaders and women-led organizations and advocate for the implementation of key legislation.
William said the inclusion of community education and provision of livelihood opportunities for survivors of GBV was essential to their integration into society.
He has, however, asked the federal government to provide the adequate and effective infrastructure that will help in responding to cases of gender-based violence across the country.
The government must respond now to providing infrastructure that sustains the response mechanisms, women-focused development interventions and activities at all levels, especially given a vital role in preventing violence against women and ensuring such preparedness against future violence.”
Also speaking to journalists, the National Secretary of the group, Onuoha Rosemund called for the domestication of the Violence against persons and prohibition (VAPP) act.
The Violence against Persons and Prohibited Act mandates the offenders to compensate the victims, another thing about the act is that it allows us to have a sex offenders register, so we as AONN and CSOs that registered under the group, push for the domestication of this act because we know that it is going to reduce the incidence of gender-based violence in the country.