Edo promises justice for victims of rape

The Edo State Sexual Assault Referral Centre has assured victims of rape and other gender-based crimes in the state of justice.

Coordinator of the centre, Dr Georgina Eromosele, who disclosed this in Benin City, said the government would soon open a telephone helpline at the centre for prompt, secure and unhindered reporting of sexual assaults and gender-based violence.

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“The state government has adequately equipped the centre to cater for the needs of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the state,’’ Eromosele said.

According to her, government would be establishing branches of the centre across the 18 local governments to accentuate the seriousness of government towards tackling rape and defilement.

She said: “The centre is well-positioned to serve as a safe environment where survivors are given all the required care and support they need, including medical examination, screening and preventive treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections.”