Bayelsa governor, Sen. Douye Diri’s wife, Dr. (Mrs) Gloria Diri, has inaugurated Sexual Assault Referral Center ( SARC) at the Federal Medical Center, (FMC) Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, to address cases of Sexual Abuse.
Opening the Center on Thursday, Dr. (Mrs) Diri stated that the provision of SARC is a milestone achievement in the efforts towards reducing Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the State.
In a Press Release Signed by Maria Olodi-Osumah, Press Secretary (PS) to Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs) Gloria Diri, the governor’s wife noted that the establishment of SARC is in accordance with Section 46(5)of the Bayelsa State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2021 and the siting of the SARC in a Medical Facility as a requisite for its establishment has been achieved.
Recalling the reoccurrence of several cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV), the Bayelsa First Lady explained that with the commissioning of the center, Survivors of Sexual Abuse would have access to Free Medical Care, Psycho-Social Support, Legal Support amongst other provisions to cushion the effects of Abuse.
“I recall that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in twenty-twenty there were worrisome scenarios of increased daily reported cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV)and Sexual Gender Based Violence,(SGBV)which compelled the Nigerian Governors Wives Forum to declare a State of Emergency,to checkmate the rising cases of GBV and SGBV in the Country.
“Bayelsa State also had her share of increased Spousal battery,Rape, Defilement and Sundry issues within the period which necessitated the redoubling of efforts to check the ugly trend,there was no Safe Place to accommodate our Children for adequate and proper Care.
“I am elated today,we have finally provided a space for our Children, where they will be properly taken care of when the need arises,” She said.
The Bayelsa First Lady appreciated the Governors Wives Forum for the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Against Gender Based Violence NGWA-GBV Project and the Management of the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Yenagoa for the successes recorded in the fight against GBV and SGBV adding that the collaboration is a booster.
Warning individuals who engage in acts that jeopardize the growth and wellbeing of persons, especially Children, to desist from such while calling on the general public to report all cases of abuse to GRIT for prompt action, Mrs Diri reiterated that perpetrators of SGBV, when apprehended, would be sanctioned with the appropriate provisions of the VAPP Law of Bayelsa State.
She further stated that SARC will also collate data for purposes of periodic appraisal of work, identify areas to improve upon which may require further interventions.
Present at the inauguration include, Hon. Justice Matilda Ayemieye, Acting Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Biriyai Dambo (SAN) Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Pabara Igwelle, Commissioner for Health, Mrs Faith Opene, Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs Empowerment and Social Development, CP Romokere, Ibani, Commissioner of Police Bayelsa Command and Dr.Obioma Obikeze, Head of Clinical Services FMC.
GRIT members and other Frontline organizations and advocates of Gender issues such as FIDA, NAWOJ, FACE Initiative, Do Foundation, NAPTIP and Civil Society groups also witnessed the inauguration.
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