The Delta State government has inaugurated two Sexual Assault Referral Centre to attend to the needs of victims and aid the prosecution of offenders.
Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs. Flora Alatan made this known during the inauguration at the General Hospital, Warri and the Central Hospital, Ughelli.
A similar centre had been launched in Asaba, bringing the number of sexual assault referral centers in the state to three.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Flora Alatan said the facility has in place all responders to handle cases of sexual assault, including provisions to cater for the health and psychological needs of the victims.
Alatan, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Mrs OgheneKevwe Agas, commended partners including the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum for their contributions to the inauguration of the center.
She said, “The lawyers that would take the matter to court; the police that will prosecute the perpetrator; the social welfare officer that would give them psychosocial support. So, this center is a one-stop-shop.”
The Medical Director, General Hospital Warri, Dr. Jonathan Okolo, and the Chief Nursing Officer Central Hospital Ughelli Mrs. Aruoture, stressed the importance of the establishment of the Sexual Assault Referral Center in their facility.
The representative of the Nigerian Police Force Odih Abigail, and that of the State Ministry of Justice Mrs Eseoghene Ekpete, pledged their commitment in ensuring the successful operation of the Sexual Assault Referral Center.
Chairperson, Warri Chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Megbele Jessica, noted the non-governmental organization would collaborate with stakeholders in the SARC center to ensure victims get justice and care.
