Sexual Abuse: We need parents, caregivers’ support – Oyo AG

For justice to be served for survivors of child sexual abuse and rape there is the need for strong synergy among caregivers, medical practitioners, law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations.

This formed part of resolutions at a stakeholders’ roundtable dialogue on response to child sexual abuse in Ibadan.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo said cases of child sexual abuse against perpetrators hit major setbacks when family members frustrate legal processes by refusing to cooperate with relevant agencies.

Represented by the coordinator, Oyo State Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Team, Mrs Dupe Awosemusi, the Attorney General also highlighted lack or improper medical report of the victim, withdrawal of interest from victims and pressure from the community as another bane of justice delivery.

Professor Oyewo who disclosed that eighty per cent of perpetrators of child sexual abuse are family members urged parents to be vigilant and protect their children, especially during the Yuletide when people are likely to visit.

In his contribution, a chief consultant, Forensic Pathology, University Teaching Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Dr Uwom Eze said the improper ways of collecting forensic evidence from survivor of child sexual abuse by some medical practitioners have stalled justice for victims.

Dr Eze Advised any child who is sexually abused to immediately visit the one-stop-shop centre where all necessary assistances are available for such cases.

Also speaking, a research scientist from Tai Sholarin University, Ogun State, Professor Samuel Oladipo while presenting recent findings on survivors of sexual abuse in Nigeria, said many were victims of circumstances from broken homes.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Convener, Executive Director, Hope for Second Chance Foundation, Mrs Ibukunoluwa Otesile said the stakeholders’ dialogue was borne out of the increasing cases of child sexual abuse despite the fight against the menace over the years.

Present at the stakeholders’ dialogue were community leaders, police, representatives of the Ministry of Education, National Human Rights Commission and CSOs.

Mosope Kehinde