Stakeholders drawn from civil society organisations, women’s groups, security agencies, the media, and the health sector have called on the Taraba State Government to establish Sexual Assault Response Centres (SARCs) in the state’s three senatorial districts to improve access to comprehensive care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The appeal was made during a three day workshop on policy review and validation organised by the Life Spring Development Foundation (LSDF) in collaboration with the Taraba State Ministry of Health in Jalingo.
Participants at the workshop included representatives of National Council of Wimen Societies, (NCWS), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria,
(WOWICAN), security agencies, media practitioners, and health professionals.
The stakeholders expressed concern over the increasing incidence of sexual and gender-based violence in the state, noting that many survivors are unable to access timely medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and justice due to the absence of dedicated Sexual Assault Response Centres.
They said establishing SARCs in each of the state’s three senatorial districts would ensure survivors receive prompt medical treatment, counselling, forensic examination, legal support, and referrals in a safe and confidential environment.
According to them, the centres would also strengthen collaboration among healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, legal practitioners, and social welfare officers, thereby enhancing the state’s response to sexual and gender-based violence.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working with the state government and development partners to ensure survivors receive adequate protection, justice, and support.
They expressed optimism that establishing the centres would improve access to essential services, promote accountability for perpetrators, and contribute to reducing cases of sexual and gender-based violence across Taraba State.
Speaking at the workshop, the Country Director of the Life Spring Development Foundation, Dr. David Ebodaghe, represented by Dr. Ojukwu Mark Ojukwu, said the meeting focused on reviewing the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law and the Safe Termination of Pregnancy Guidelines, which he described as critical instruments for strengthening comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services in Nigeria.
He explained that the intervention is supported by the Federal Government through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office of the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, state governments, and implementing partners.
Dr. Ojukwu noted that cases of gender-based violence remain high in Taraba State and urged the government to rehabilitate the Sexual Assault Centre previously established at the State Specialist Hospital.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Nuhu Tukura, commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his administration’s health sector reforms. He expressed confidence that the governor would soon establish a new Sexual Assault Centre to provide comprehensive services for survivors of gender-based violence and sexual assault.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reducing maternal mortality and strengthening reproductive healthcare through evidence-based policies and standardized clinical practices.
He appreciated the support of the Life Spring Development Foundation, professional bodies, civil society organisations, reproductive health experts, religious and traditional leaders, as well as representatives of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) for their commitment to improving healthcare delivery and the well-being of the people of Taraba state.
The workshop, as gathered by The Guardian, formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen policies and institutional frameworks aimed at addressing sexual and gender based violence and improving reproductive health outcomes in the state.(The Guardian)
