In a proactive move to combat the scourge of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Lagos State, the Women’s Rights And Health Project (WRAHP), in collaboration with the Canada Fund for Local Initiative (CFLI), recently organized a comprehensive two-day training for police officers and members of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC).
Held in the Egbe-Idimu area of Lagos State, the training aimed to bolster the response capacity of law enforcement personnel in addressing SGBV cases within the community.
SGBV remains a pervasive issue affecting individuals of all backgrounds, with survivors often facing significant barriers in accessing justice and support.
Recognizing the pivotal role of law enforcement agencies in responding to and preventing SGBV, WRAHP, managers of Ireti Resource Centre, spearheaded this initiative to equip officers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources.
Ms. Bose Ironsi, the Executive Director of WRAHP, highlighted the importance of the specialized training, emphasizing the critical role law enforcement officers play as the first point of contact for SGBV survivors.
She stated, “By providing tailored training and resources, we aim to enhance their capacity to respond to SGBV cases sensitively, professionally, and in line with international best practices.”
The training covered a diverse range of topics, including understanding the complexities of SGBV dynamics, conducting survivor-centered investigations, providing trauma-informed support to survivors, and fostering collaboration with relevant stakeholders for holistic response and prevention strategies.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Monday Agboyinka, emphasized the imperative for law enforcement agencies to collaborate with organizations like WRAHP in the fight against SGBV.
He acknowledged the pivotal role of law enforcement in protecting against SGBV and expressed gratitude for initiatives aimed at enhancing their capacity in this regard.
The objectives of the training program include building awareness among law enforcement officers regarding the prevalence and impact of SGBV, equipping them with practical skills for survivor-centered investigations, and strengthening collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community stakeholders, and service providers.
WRAHP reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s rights, promoting community safety, and combating SGBV through targeted interventions and capacity-building initiatives.
The training marks a significant step forward in the collective efforts to create a safer and more inclusive society for all residents of Lagos State.