RSG Proposes Safe Custody For Violence Victims

As the bill on prohibition of Violence Against Persons (VAP) gets to its final amendment stage in the Rivers State Assembly, the State Ministry of Women Affairs has called for setting up a safe place for victims.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs Atosemi Eson-Teetito made the recommendation when she appeared before the Adhoc Committee to proffer views of the ministry on the proposed law.
She said, “we request for the establishment of a safe place for victims and the law should be domiciled in the state Ministry of Women Affairs as it’s done in other states.”
Explaining reasons for her view, the Permanent Secretary stated that most times victims are threatened and some are forced to drop their charges, “but if they are protected, it will be easy to prosecute their violators”.
She, however, noted that for such protection to be effective there is need to train personnel who will oversee such matters, while she pledged full support to the bill.
On his part, Otobo Dennis of the Civil Society for HIV/AIDS, drew attention to Section 2(A) on the punishment of violators and fine prescribed.
He expressed the view that the penalty and fine should be made more tedious to serve as deterrent for people.
Dennis, however, observed that in terms of harmful practices, which may often lead to the infestation of victims, those involved in such should be jailed with no option of fine.
Chairperson of Medical Women Association in Rivers State, Dr. Betty
Agala recommended the establishment of local government offices to ensure there is monitoring and effective reportage of cases.