By Chinedum Treasure
The Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) has trained police prosecutors and law enforcement officers in Anambra State on the effective implementation of laws and policies designed to protect survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and improve their access to justice.
The two-day training, held recently in Awka, was supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme of International IDEA, funded by the European Union and implemented by WACOL.
Speaking at the training, the State Coordinator of RoLAC, Dr Josephine Onah, urged stakeholders to strengthen human rights-based policing, gender-sensitive law enforcement and protection for survivors of gender-based violence.
A WACOL resource person, Victor Obichukwu, emphasised the need to uphold confidentiality, dignity, safety and non-discrimination when handling GBV cases.
He called for timely trials and effective procedures for receiving complaints, making medical referrals and obtaining protection orders to ensure survivors receive the support and justice they deserve.
Consultant Professor Sylvester Anya identified stigma, victim-blaming, family pressure and economic dependence on perpetrators as major barriers preventing survivors from seeking justice.
He cautioned law enforcement officers against demanding money before receiving complaints and pressuring survivors to settle cases within their families rather than pursuing appropriate legal remedies.
The training also examined existing laws on violence against women and girls, survivor-centred justice, evidence gathering, and improved investigation and prosecution techniques.
Participants were advised to preserve evidence, protect survivors’ identities and confidentiality, and conduct interviews professionally to avoid further trauma.
A training manual was presented to guide officers in handling Gender-Based Violence and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence cases. A communiqué outlining recommendations and follow-up actions was also issued.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement officers to respond professionally to GBV cases, protect survivors’ rights and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable through the justice system.
Tags: WACOL, Gender-Based Violence, Anambra Police
