The Borno State Police Command is advocating for legal changes to support rape survivors in the state.
According to the Borno state Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Ahmad Bello, there is a culture of silence and stigmatisation surrounding rape and other forms of sexual violence, leading to constant withdrawal of court cases by families of survivors.
Bello suggested that laws should be implemented to prevent requests for withdrawal of such cases, giving victims more time to decide on whether or not they want to pursue justice.
He also called on UN Women and other stakeholders to sponsor a bill that would address loopholes slowing the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the state.
“Another major thing that needs to be addressed is the culture of silence and stigmatisation of rape and other sexual violence victims.
”We have seen instances where, while a sexual violence case is progressing, prosecutors will get court affidavits from victim relations saying they want to withdraw the case.
”Such intentions to withdraw have to do with fear of stigmatisation.
”In many instances, the victims want justice but are put in a dilemma by their relatives,” he said.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police made the call in Maiduguri while speaking at a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue, organised by UN Women in collaboration with the Borno Ministry of Women Affairs.