We recorded 89 rape cases in Calabar – Focal person

The focal person for Gender-based Violence Unit of the Cross River State General Hospital, Mrs Stella Asuquo Bassey, has expressed concerns over the increasing number of rape cases and assaults against women in the state.

Bassey, who said this in an interview, said at the last count, there were 89 cases of rape against minors and women in Calabar.

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She said most of those were not reported or treated, although they were presently handling a number of them.

“There is increase in rape cases. We also receive many reports about assaults against housewives and unmarried women.

“This number is outrageous and too high in one year. What we do is that we give victims emergency contraceptives,” she said.

Bassey pleaded with the state government that survivors of rape be treated free of charge as many can hardly pay their bills at the hospital.

Corroborating, president of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ann Alorye Awah, said they receive such cases on a daily basis and have convicted five so far.