Rape: Female lawyers sue for VAPP Act domestication

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has called on governments and stakeholders to push for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act to curb the increasing cases of rape in the country.

The Chairperson of FIDA’s Abuja branch, Ngozi Ikenga, speaking yesterday at an event to commemorate the International Day of Girl Child, said FIDA gathered the girl students from different schools to sensitize them on things they need to know about their security and how to be safeguarded.

“Fortunately the VAPP Act that was passed by the National Assembly in 2015 has been very effective because it expanded the punishments and remedies for suspects and victims of rape. The minimum sentencing for rape is now 12 years without an option of fine under this Act, and the compensation of the victim is provided for.

“We are still pushing for its domestication in other states. The good news is that, last week, Anambra State domesticated it. So far, it’s only effective in the FCT, but Edo, Ekiti, Bayelsa and others have been pushing for its domestication. We are hoping that very soon all the states in Nigeria will domesticate the act,” she said.

She added that although the judiciary has been supportive in the implementation of the Act, FIDA will, next month, bring all stakeholders in the judicial system together to further sensitize them on the Act.