By Justina Auta
THE INTERNATIONAL Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has expressed commitment towards easing barriers hindering quick access to prosecution and justice for survivors and victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, Chairperson of FIDA’s Abuja branch, made the commitment in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the side-line of a media parley in Abuja.
Onyenucheya-Uko, said that the prevailing cases of GBV in the country, stressing the need to expedite actions that would tackle the menace.
According to her, the association carries out free legal services for survivors and victims of GBV to ensure that they access justice, legal advice and counselling.
She, therefore, encouraged women facing abuse to speak up and take advantage of the numerous legal provisions designed to protect them.
“There are ample laws to protect women. It is important that they speak up and stay true to their cases.
“While justice may not always be swift, it is essential to trust the process rather than settling with abusers who may become repeat offenders,” she said.
She said that the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in 2015, was a significant step towards addressing GBV.
“However, its full implementation is necessary to ensure that survivors get access to justice.
“FIDA Nigeria played a critical role in the movement for the passage of the VAPP Act.
“Through this law and the practice direction issued by the Chief Judge of the FCT, delays in adjudicating SGBV cases have been drastically reduced.
“Dedicated courts now expedite such cases to ensure that justice is served,” she said.
She that FIDA Abuja remained at the forefront of implementing the VAPP Act and advocating for the rights of survivors of gender-based violence.
She, therefore, encouraged the society to support victims to speak out to reduce prevalence of violence and other harmful practices against women and children.
“It is unfair to judge or doubt victims. When we support and believe them, we create an environment that discourages abuse and provides justice for survivors,” she said.
She urged the media to partner with FIDA and other stakeholders to amplify issues affecting women and children on their platforms.
According to her, speedy prosecution process will ensure justice for survivors and serve as deterrent to others.
“My expectation from this meeting is that it will birth partnerships and collaborations that will help FIDA Abuja branch enjoy the support of media practitioners.
“This will focus attention on issues affecting women and children, while combating discriminatory and abusive practices,” she said.
The Chairperson also called on the general public to empathise with survivors and refrain from “victim-blaming”. (NAN)
