Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre {SARC) in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has recorded 1,162 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence since it was opened in the last two years.
The Manager of the centre, Mrs Grace Yohanna Abbin, who stated this in Kafanchan after a sensitisation campaign on zero tolerance on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence to six chiefdoms and 12 political wards in the LGA, said the victims were mostly women and children.
Abin who said the sensitisation was in partnership with Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development also explained that in 2019, when the centre was opened, 219 cases were reported which rose to 582 in 2020 and now 1,162 as of 30th April, 2021.
“By gender, we have 987 females and 175 males and by age, we have 238 under 17 years, 924 above 18 years and by type of assaults/violence, we have 180 rape cases among whom are 124 children,” she added.
While emphasising the need for prevention, protection and accountability, she said the centre can only work with strong collaboration of the response team and the cooperation of the newly formed support actors of the SGBV members.
Also, the Medical Doctor of the centre, Dr. Gideon Goje, urged victims to report abuse cases early, adding that “it’s cheaper, safer and better to report early, but dangerous and expensive to report late.”
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