By Idris Khalid
An NGO, the Attah Sisters Helping Hands Foundation (ASHHF) in Bauchi, has urged the state government, and partners to improve on monitoring of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in the state.
Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs Comfort Attah, made the call on Sunday in Bauchi during an interview with our correspondent.
She said as the Coronavirus continues to soar and the authorities respond with social and health control measures, reports of sexual and gender based violence have not abated.
“Victims of domestic violence, most often women, face a double threat a deadly virus outside and an abuser at home,” she said.
She said there is the need for the government to improve protection and services for survivors, by strengthening enabling laws.
“There is also the need to address the root causes of violence, by challenging social norms and behaviours as well as tackling the wider gender inequalities,” Attah said.
She said that with families confined to their homes in effort to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, there are fears of a surge in domestic violence.
According to her, the pandemic has only intensified the occurrence of sexual gender-based violence.
“The lockdown is creating fertile ground for gender inequalities to be exposed at their worst.
“We have handled many cases of sexual violence against women in Bauchi.
“Nearly half of the cases treated are women who have experienced intimate-partner domestic violence,” she said.
Attah explained that some violence within the pandemic period included rape cases involving pregnant women, keeping a girl in under lock and under the influence of drug for six days and brutality to women.
“Our NGO, with the support of ActionAid and the Government of Canada, are following up the case at the police station to make sure the right thing is done.
“We have provided medical care support and social support for traumatized victims,” she said.
She added that they will provide legal service through a pro bono lawyer. Waiting for court to resume for normal legal procedure.
Attah urged the government to create and promote solution-tailored counseling of victims and centers for accessing domestic violence services.
