Stakeholders in the efforts to curb incidents of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Osun State have identified proper prosecution of offenders as solution to end the menace.
This was the thrust of a training for judiciary officers, members of civil societies and state officials on implementation of Violence Against Persons Prohibition and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws under the USAID funded SCALE project being implemented in Bauchi, Benue, Enugu, Kaduna, Osun states and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The training in Osun was organised by a Non-governmental and not-for-profit organization, Community Advancement Initiative for Self Reliance (CAI4SR).
CAI4SR Executive Director, Eni Ayeni said the training was aimed at raising awareness of the existence of the laws and strengthening activity of the participants to act promptly in ensuring implementation.
She said the training was also meant to strengthen the capacity of justice sector actors on the content of the VAPP and ACJ Laws.
Ayeni said the training would enhance and increase knowledge of key justice sector actors on the content and relevant provisions of the law and enhance speedy justice delivery in SGBV cases in Osun state.
She added that the training was also intended to improve inter-agency coordination among the justice sector service providers to ensure speedy justice delivery for survivors of SGBV in Osun State.
One of the participants who is a magistrate in the state, Magistrate Oyindamola Daramola said ensuring proper prosecution will enable the court to convict and properly sentence the SGBV offenders.
Also, a social development advocate, Dr. Benjamin Ayeni, charged members of the civil societies to keep sensitising people on the benefits of VAPP and ACJ Laws.
The Director of Women Affairs in the State Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, Oluwayemisi Oladele said the state government is committed to ensure justice for victims of Sexual and Gender Based Violence and provide succour for them as a solace.