GBV: Rotary club tasks govt on implementation of VAPP Act

The Rotary Club has urged government at levels to give more attention to effective implementation of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, and justice for the victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country.

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The Women in Rotary, FCT Chapter, made the call during walk to commemorate the 2023 16 Days Activism Against GBV with the theme “Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women”, on Saturday in Abuja.

The State Representative, Women in Rotary, FCT Chapter, Mrs Evelyn Oyinlo, said though some states including Lagos and FCT were doing commendable good job, more attention should be given to GBV.

“It shouldn’t be something that is just there on paper, VAPP Act should be domesticated and implemented in all the states of Nigeria. That is what we are calling for. Like now we have our complaint centers by the police and they are working well.We just want that it will work better. That people will really get justice when they go to police stations, and not being harassed”, she added.

She said the club advocated that the criminal justice system should punish perpetrators of gender based violence.

“I know that 14 years has been prescribed in the VAPP Act. In some states, even life imprisonment has been issued. If our justice system is up and doing, I know it will discourage those that want to perpetrate evil against women and girls and even boys,” Oyinlo said .

She said that the walk which commenced from Old Parade Ground, Area 10 to Area 2 Shopping Centre, Garki and back to starting point, was part of activities to commemorate the 16 days activism of GBV as provided for by the United Nation.

The 16 days activism, which started on the Nov. 25 and to end on Dec. 10 was to raise awareness of individuals, groups, institutions or organisations on GBV and the need to punish the perpetrators.

“What we want is for anybody that is violated should get the necessary psychosocial support for them to heal, not blaming the victim of sexual based violencem.This is the kind of awareness we are raising,” she said.

Oyinlo urged all stakeholders to invest their resources, time and anything that would help to create the necessary awareness on GBV include sexual harassment in schools and offices.

NAN/Wumi