Alliances for Africa, a non-governmental organization, has called on the Imo State Police Command to intensify its support in the fight against sexual harassment, exploitation, and gender-based violence (GBV). This appeal was made during a one-day training workshop focused on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, held for officers of the Nigerian Police Force in Owerri over the weekend.
Blessing Duru, the Program Director of Alliances for Africa, emphasized the critical role the police and other security agencies play in arresting and prosecuting violators of the law. She noted that the proper involvement of law enforcement could significantly protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, from sexual harassment, domestic violence, and traditional abuses.
“The training aims to equip officers with in-depth knowledge and understanding of Gender-Based Violence, gender roles, and the Imo VAPP Law of 2021 as a legal framework to address, investigate, and prosecute cases of GBV effectively,” Duru said. She added that a survivor-centered approach should be implemented to improve the reporting mechanism and support for victims.
Imo State Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, described the workshop as a testament to the police’s commitment to justice and protecting the vulnerable. He lauded the VAPP Law as a crucial tool for safeguarding the rights of individuals and combating violence across the state.
Danjuma stressed, “This training strengthens our capacity to serve and protect the community more effectively. The VAPP Law represents a significant advancement in our legal framework, and the knowledge gained here is vital in enhancing our collective ability to uphold justice.”
The workshop aimed to deepen officers’ understanding of the law and encourage them to apply the skills learned in addressing GBV cases with greater sensitivity and professionalism.
