WARIF Partners Nigerian Police on Rape, Sexual Assault
WOMEN AT RISK INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (WARIF) is a Non-Governmental
Organization that was incorporated in 2016 by DR KEMI DA-SILVA IBRU
MD; MPH in response to the high incidence of sexual assault, rape and
human trafficking occurring among young girls and women across Nigeria.
The foundation was created to raise awareness and advocate against
this increasing prevalence of sexual violence experienced by women and
is doing the best it can to ensure that these women have a safe place
if and whenever such violence occurs.
On the 1st of February 2017, WARIF held an interactive session with
The COMMISSIONER OF POLICE FOR LAGOS STATE, MR FATAI OWOSENI and his
area commanders from across Lagos, at the Police Officers Mess in
Ikeja; where Dr. Da-Silva gave a sound presentation on the importance
of a society where women are free from sexual assault, violence and
rape. She encouraged the Nigerian Police to send cases to sexual
assault and rape seen at the stations to referral centres such as the
WARIF Centre in Yaba, where adequate medical treatment and counselling
can be given; As a member of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual
Violence Response Team (DSVRT) Dr. DaSilva also guaranteed the
organization’s commitment to working alongside law enforcement in the
state, ensuring the wellbeing of the survivors.
In responding to some of the concerns raised at the session, Dr.
Da-Silva remarked that the WARIF Centre has a team of qualified full
time medical staff, specifically trained to carry out medical
examinations and obtain biological specimens to facilitate the
collection of evidence and help with police investigations.
Furthermore, Dr. Da-Silva added that in the event of survivors
recanting for fear of stigmatization and discrimination, counselors
trained by the Washington DC Rape Crisis Centre (DCRCC) in partnership
with WARIF, are able to assist them with the healing process, ensuring
they become empowered and seek justice if this is their choice.
In addition, Dr. DaSilva discussed other preventive measures being
carried out by WARIF with the implementation of a Youth Based
Awareness Program in secondary schools and later on in higher
institutions. The curriculum is based on creating awareness and the
importance of gender equality, a change in behavior and practices and
the prevention of gender based violence in our schools and
communities. She also emphasized the “importance of a society that
speaks out against these acts, supports and protects the survivors and
encourages the punishment of perpetrators”.
The session ended with a short message from the Commissioner
commending and encouraging WARIF’s initiatives and stating that the
Police is always willing and ready assist survivors with the care they
need. He assured that all survivors will be encouraged to visit the
WARIF Centre for adequate care.
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