THE GOMBE State Government, with UNICEF support, has inaugurated a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to assist survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Speaking at the Gombe Specialist Hospital on Friday, Deputy Governor, Manassah Jatau, described the initiative as a significant step in combating sexual violence.
Represented by Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, Jatau said the centre provided a safe space for medical, psychological, and legal support for survivors.
He added the centre would act as a one-stop facility, offering a wide range of essential services to victims.
According to him, the centre is equipped with basic facilities, including a counselling room, pharmacy store, and laboratory.
Jatau urged traditional and community leaders to report sexual violence cases promptly, noting: “The centre can only function when people are brought in.”
Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, said the centre would restore hope to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the state.
She emphasised that sexual violence has serious psychological effects, requiring attention beyond immediate treatment.
Rafique described the centre as a critical part of child protection integrated into healthcare services.
She stressed that abuse of children and gender-based violence must be prevented, not just treated after occurrence.
“Although the centre is vital for saving lives and mental health, preventing abuse in the community is more important.
She called on community leaders to promote prevention rather than wait for cases to be referred to the centre.
Rafique urged engagement of grassroots stakeholders and awareness campaigns, noting most perpetrators are neighbours or family members.
“We must educate communities on how parents should protect their children.
“This is not unique to Gombe; I have seen abuse in children as young as six months across five states.
“These harmful practices must end so survivors are helped, and future generations are protected,” she said.
Dr Sambo Dawa Medical Director, Gombe Specialist Hospital, said the hospital has treated survivors through its SGBV unit since 2021.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, between 2021 and 2025, the unit assisted 645 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
The survivors’ ages ranged from 1 to 24 years: 55 were 1–4, 133 were 5–9, 196 were 10–14, 150 were 15–19, and 111 were 20–24.
Male survivors totalled 119 (18.4 per cent), while females numbered 526 (81.6 per cent) of the total cases.
Regarding perpetrators, 174 survivors (26.9 per cent) were abused by family members, 325 (50.4 per cent) by neighbours, and 146 (22.6 per cent) by strangers.
On types of violence, 531 cases (82.3 per cent) were sexual, while 114 (17.7 per cent) were physical abuse.
Dawa noted that most cases came from rural areas (574), with 71 reported from urban centres. (NAN)
