The Federal Government has unveiled plans to enact mandatory reporting regulations aimed at combating the prevalent issue of sexual and gender-based violence.
Mrs Yewande Gbola-Awopetu, the Head of the sexual and gender-based violence response unit in the Ministry of Justice, told NAN on the sidelines of an advocacy visit by Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI)a nonprofit organisation, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The law, she said, will legally oblige individuals and entities to report any incidents of gender-based violence they encounter.
This includes various forms of abuse, including domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, and other violence against persons acts.
She also added that the decision to introduce compulsory reporting highlights a growing realization of the urgent necessity to address and prevent gender-based violence comprehensively.
“By ensuring timely reporting and documentation of such incidents, authorities can take prompt action to support survivors, hold offenders accountable, and implement preventive measures to curb future occurrences.
“We want to involve religious, traditional, and housing committees, among others that don’t have a history of being perpetrators of such acts.
“Through the implementation of mandatory reporting, a resolute message is sent that such abhorrent conduct will not be condoned, and those responsible will face the repercussions,”Gbola-Awopetu said.
In her remarks, Ms Grace Udie, the Communications Officer at GSAI, commended the Ministry for its bold steps towards eradicating Gender-Based Violence.
She added that GSAI, renowned for its innovative initiatives and advocacy endeavours in promoting gender equality and justice, recognises the need for concerted efforts to combat this multifaceted societal issue.
“Gender-based violence continues to be a pressing global concern, with millions, notably women and girls, falling victim to different forms of abuse, discrimination, and violence annually.
“The Ministry’s decision to enforce mandatory reporting of gender-based violence symbolises a noteworthy advancement in the ongoing battle against this widespread problem,”Udie said.
She noted the critical role of collaboration in addressing gender-based violence.
