Gombe Launches Sexual, Gender-Based Violence Pathway, Calls For End To Silence
By Najib Sani, Gombe
As part of efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), the Advocacy Centre for Development (AC4D) in collaboration with the Gombe State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and GO-CARES has launched the Gombe State 3rd Reviewed Survivor Centric SGBV Referral Pathway and Standard Operating Procedure.
The team lead of AC4D, Ibrahim Yusuf, said sexual and gender-based violence is a serious human rights violation and public health issue that requires immediate attention.
He lamented the prevalence of SGBV in Gombe State and called on the state government to declare a state of emergency.
Yusuf explained that the newly launched pathway aims to break the culture of silence among SGBV survivors in the state, emphasising the need for victims to receive support from society and access justice.
While the commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Asma’u Iganus, echoed Yusuf’s sentiments, stating that SGBV is dehumanising and on the rise in the state.
Iganus revealed that even small children are vulnerable to rape, sometimes on their way to school stressing the need for functional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) where victims can receive free and confidential treatment.
According to her, with this new pathway and SOP in place, Gombe State is taking a significant step towards combating SGBV and promoting a safer, more supportive community for all.
