Centre records 19 rape cases in Kafanchan during lockdown
The Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government of Kaduna state, says it recorded 19 rape cases during the COVID-19 lockdown period from March 25 to June 10.
The centre’s Counsellor, Mr. Sule Avong, disclosed this in Kafanchan on Friday.
Avong said that the centre also recorded 110 physical and emotional violence cases within the period.
He said that most perpetrators of such acts tried to frustrate the cases, noting however, that the centre will not relent in its efforts to get justice for victims of sexual assault or other related crimes.
Avong advised victims to always report to the centre within 72 hours of being abused to enable medical experts extract the key ingredients needed to secure the conviction of offenders.
According to him, it is also important for them to quickly report to be able to access drugs to prevent getting sexually transmitted diseases.
“One of the major challenges we are having is that many of the survivors report late. Some would come maybe two weeks after they were raped or molested.
4,000 people receive FG’s COVID-19 palliatives in Sokoto – Official
“This makes it extremely difficult for the doctor to examine the person and get all the necessary ingredients to nail the offender in court.
“They are supposed to report to the centre immediately, three days or at most five days after the assault.
“Then they will be examined by the doctor and also get medications that will prevent them from getting sexually transmitted diseases,’’ he said.
He called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to support the centre with medical interventions as it is increasingly being overwhelmed by new cases.
Avong said that the state government had tried by giving the centre, one doctor and one nurse, adding however, that “but sometimes, we run out of drugs and other medical supplies because of the increasing number of people showing up.
“The truth is that government cannot do everything; so we are appealing to well-spirited people and organisation to support this humanitarian service that we are rendering.’’
The centre is one of four rape centres in the state where victims and other gender-based violence, are being given free counselling, medical and optional legal interventions.
