Delta seeks assault referral centre for rape victims

The Delta State Government has advocated the need for an assault referral centre for rape victims.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor disclosed that it became necessary considering the bizarre activities of rapists, especially when women are raped almost every day across the country, adding that some of the victims cannot publicly admit their ordeals due to their bitter experiences and likely stigmatization from members of the public.

He said when the centre is set up, the victims would be rehabilitated and where credible evidence is available, offenders will not go scot-free but face the wrath of the law.

“We need to rise up as a people and say no to all forms of evils against women, even verbal violence.”

Mrakpor was reacting to an address by the Women Affairs, Community and Social Development Commissioner, Mrs. Omatshola Williams, on the occasion of the advocacy visit to mark the 16-day activism/commemoration of the International Day of elimination of all forms of violence against women, girl-child and Women Human Rights Defenders held at the weekend.

Williams said that the aim of the advocacy is to reduce violence against persons and encourage influential participation of women and girls in peace-building.

The Attorney-General said that “the problem we have today is of a serious concern; women are being raped almost every day in the country, but some of the ladies are not saying it, and it is causing a lot of danger and inherent damage in our society. That is why we need to rise up in unison to tackle this ugly trend.”

He said rape, armed robbery, battery, sexual exploitation, dehumanization, emotional and verbal abuse come from a background and mothers must raise a standard for their children with proper upbringing.

“The major perpetrators against women are women themselves, because, apart from wife battery, women are also the enforcers of the evil and cultural and traditional practices in the society. They are also the agents of abuse of women. I am happy that the leaders and mobilizers of the violence against women know that most people are living with trauma inside them and that most are from hurting background.”