By Terna Chikpa
Stakeholders, including civil society organisations, women’s groups, security agencies, the media, and the health sector, have called on the Taraba State Government to establish Sexual Assault Response Centres (SARCs) across the three senatorial districts of the state.
According to the stakeholders, the development would improve access to comprehensive care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the state.
Speaking during a three-day workshop on policy review and validation organised by the Life Spring Development Foundation (LSDF) in collaboration with the Taraba State Ministry of Health, the stakeholders expressed concern over the increasing incidence of sexual and gender-based violence in Taraba.
They noted that many survivors were unable to access timely medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and justice due to the absence of dedicated Sexual Assault Response Centres.
“The establishment of SARCs in each senatorial district of Taraba would improve survivors’ access to prompt medical treatment, counselling, forensic examination, legal support, and referrals in a safe and confidential environment.
“The centres would also strengthen collaboration among healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, legal practitioners, and social welfare officers. They would enhance the state’s response to sexual and gender-based violence,” they noted.
Speaking separately at the workshop, the Country Director of the Life Spring Development Foundation, Dr. David Ebodaghe, represented by Dr. Ojukwu Mark Ojukwu, explained that the meeting was aimed at reviewing the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law and the Safe Termination of Pregnancy Guidelines.
He also disclosed that the intervention is being supported by the Federal Government through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), the Coordinating Office of the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, state governments, and implementing partners.
The Country Director urged the Taraba State Government to rehabilitate the Sexual Assault Response Centre previously established at the State Specialist Hospital, noting that the incidence of sexual and gender-based violence remains high in the state.
In his presentation, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Nuhu Tukura, commended Governor Agbu Kefas’ reforms in the health sector. He expressed confidence that the government would soon address issues relating to sexual assault.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing maternal mortality and strengthening reproductive healthcare through evidence-based policies and standardised clinical practices.
