With Idera SARC, Lagos, ROLAC Ramp Up Fight Against SGBV
I Nrenewed efforts to eradicate Sexual and Gender Based Violence ( SGBV) at all levels and give support and succour to survivors, the Lagos State Government in partnership with the British Council’s Rule of Law and AntiCorruption Centre ( ROLAC) and the European Union this week launched a Sexual Assault Referral Centre ( SARC) located within the premises of Alimosho General Hospital.
The centre, which will be known as the Idera SARC, was formally launched by the First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo- Olu and in her address, said the establishment of the centre confirms the state’s commitment to completely stamping out SGBV in the state and the country at large, but most importantly, care for survivors of these heinous crimes.
Appreciating the State’s Ministry of Health, ROLAC and the EU for the support and collaboration that led to the centre’s establishment, she said it has been equipped with facilities and manpower to provide services for sexual abuse and violence survivors such as counseling and psychological support, medical tests for Sexually Transmitted Infections ( STIS) and pregnancy, drugs and contraceptives, as well as sensitisation and awareness programs.
She added that it was reassuring and comforting that the centre was strategically established in Alimosho, which currently carries the burden of being the Local Government Area with the highest cases of domestic and sexual violence crimes.
“According to the latest statistics on SGBV crimes in the state released by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team ( DSVRT), Alimosho retains its status as the LGA with highest number of sexual violence crimes so far this year.”
“In December 2020, my representatives were here for a Community Sensitization Meeting organized by the Ministry of Health as part of the sustained advocacy against the menace of SGBV. The SARC being launched today will greatly facilitate the necessary care for survivors of SGBV. For us in Lagos State, we have zero tolerance for these crimes. As a matter of fact, sexual abuse especially as it concerns women and children is an evil act that must not be tolerated. The devastating consequences are real and this is why we must sustain the advocacy and the fight against the menace to make the society a better place for all of us, and our children. We must all support the government in the quest to confront the menace of SGBV and together, we can end it.”