SGBV: Groups urge survivors to speak up against perpetrators
Some human rights groups and non-governmental organisations have urged survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence to speak up so as to get justice.
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They made the appeal on Friday at a press conference organised in Lagos by activists and advocates involved in the case of the convicted Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Dr Olufemi Olaleye.
The organisations include Radical Movement in the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Tonia Bruised But Not Broken, Stop The Abuse Foundation, Mirabel Center and Cece Yara Foundation.
The others include Child Protection Network, Be Inspired Women Empowerment Foundation, Bimbo Odukoya Foundation and Advocate for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network.
According to reports, the Smile and Shine Children Foundation, Family Wellness Therapy, Mom to Mom Foundation and Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence were also involved.
Mr Adesina Ogulana, a former Chairman of NBA, Ikeja Branch and Chairman of Radical Agenda Movement in the Nigerian Bar Association (RAMINBA), while addressing newsmen, said the organisations worked together to pursue Olaleye’s prosecution.
Ogunala said that victims of sexual assault should not be stigmatised but encouraged to come forward and give evidence in court.
According to him, the groups were thankful that they were able to get Lagos State Government to arrest and prosecute Olaleye for defilement of his wife’s niece.
He said: “We urge victims of any sexual assault to come out of their shell to tell their stories so that this menace can be curbed. Our joy knows no bounds when Olufemi Olaleye was subsequently arrested and arraigned on two counts of sexual assault and defilement of his wife’s niece. We also appreciate Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for ensuring that the survivor got justice. We thank the wife of the convict, Mrs Remi Olaleye, for the role she played in the conviction and sentencing of her husband.”
The Lagos State Coordinator of Child Protection Network, Mrs Aderonke Oyelakin, said that the organisations were ready to support survivors of sexual assault both financially and morally.
NAN/Wumi
