RSG Earmarks Health Facilities To Cater For Sexual Violence Victims

The Rivers State Government has vowed to tackle all forms of sexual violence, as it earmarks health facilities to care for victims.
It made the resolve public as part of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence with the theme: Prevention as Protection Enhancing Structural and Operational Prevention of Conflict Related Sexual Violence.
While listing conflict and war as major causes of sexual violence, it says the best form of prevention is to avert conflict in the first place.
In a special message to mark the day, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ndidi Utchay said there is need to do away with cultural practices that deny women and girls their right to equality and justice, while upholding the right of survivors.
She urged citizens who are victims of sexual violence to seek medical care services early.
Against this backdrop, she revealed that the Rivers State Government has earmarked eight health facilites to take care of victims.
The medical facilities include Orogbum Health Centre, Zonal, Zonal Hospital Bori,, Zonal Hospital Ahoada, Zonal Hospital Isiokpo, Zonal Health Centre Nchia-Eleme, Zonal Hospital Degema and Abua Primary Health Centre.
In addition to that, she disclosed that the Ministry has equally trained health care workers on the management of sexual violence.
Warning on the consequences of sexial violence, Dr Utchay said it can lead to sexually transmitted diseases,abnormal behaviours, stigma and in extreme cases suicide.
The day was set aside by the United Nations towards the eradicatiom of sexual crimes, while at the same time paying tribute to those fighting against it.