Experts seek special courts for gender-based violence

Experts have called for the establishment of special courts for gender-based violence to ensure speedy trial of cases. Speaking during a media dialogue on eliminating violence against women and girls in the FCT in Abuja, they said the cases often dragged on for a long time in regular courts. The event was organised by the […]

Experts have called for the establishment of special courts for gender-based violence to ensure speedy trial of cases.

Speaking during a media dialogue on eliminating violence against women and girls in the FCT in Abuja, they said the cases often dragged on for a long time in regular courts.

The event was organised by the EU/UN Spotlight Initiative Nigeria and UNICEF.

The Desk Officer, FCT Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Team, Ngozi Ike, said the slow trials and prosecution of cases was hampering efforts against gender-based violence and justice for survivors.

She said: “There are 444 cases of sexual offences in the Federal Capital Territory but there has been only one conviction this year which is not good enough.

“If we can push for the establishment of special courts that will preside over sexual and domestic violence cases, it will go a long way in according justice to survivors,” she said.

She called on the media and non-governmental organisations to work with the FCT to address the numerous child abuse and other cases of violence.

Mary Tanko, Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) FCT, said stigma associated with sexual violence in the country has continued to encourage the culture of silence by survivors and also affects the mental health of those affected.

Geoffrey Njoku, a Communication Specialist with UNICEF, said there was a rise in violence against women and girls and that the training was organised to ensure ethical reporting among others by the media.

The Chief, Child Protection Section of UNICEF Nigeria, Ibrahim Sesay, advised the media to look at strategic ways of telling the stories of survivors.

“Sometimes we need to protect their image, and not add to what they are passing through.

“The privacy of those who survive must be protected at all times; we should show empathy and not victimize them,” he said.