Effective communication between mother and child has been identified as a key factor to early detection of sexual and gender-based violence in children.
A public speaker, Mr Anthony Fasehun stated this in a lecture entitled “Responding to the crime of child defilement” at a 2-day seminar organised by Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Oyo State Command.
Our correspondent, Rasheedah Makinde, captured the moment for Radio Nigeria.
Mr Fasheun said building a bond between parents and children would enhance cordial relationship that would encourage an open communication to avoid keeping sexual violence secret.
He noted that sound parenting education was key if there would be a stop to any form of violence towards children, especially the girl-child.
Mr Fasheun opined that monitoring the character and movement of children would build support and awareness among all stakeholders in order to ensure adequate protection.
Another speaker, Mrs Ibukun Otesile said the role of community in preventing children from sexual and gender violence could not be overemphasised.
She said people should shun the act of shielding sexual violence suspects but work collectively with relevant stakeholders to reduce the menace to the barest minimum.
Mrs Otesile added that the community should always encourage and support victims of child violence to the nearest hospital for prompt attention.
Some mothers at the conference expressed appreciation and promised readiness to support the law and protect their children against any form of violence.
Contributing, the guest of honour, wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Omini Makinde who spoke through the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora, Mrs Bolanle Sarumi-Aliu, said mothers should deploy all means possible to protect their children and safeguard their tomorrow.
Mrs Makinde therefore called on government at all levels to partner the relevant stakeholders in collectively fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence, SGDV.
Earlier, while declaring the conference open, NSCDC commandant in Oyo state, Mr Iskilu Akinsanya, said the conference became imperative in order to sensitive the public on what to do reduce the menace.
The two day capacity building programme with the theme “Responding to the crime of the child defilement” featured different activities including presentation of award to some distinguished officers of the NSCDC.
Rasheedah Makinde
