A new care centre where victims of sexual violence could get immediate medical and psychosocial attention will open in Lagos on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Yaba, Lagos-based Sexual Assault Referral Centre is an initiative of Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), an NGO.
WARIF Chief Executive, Dr Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, an obstetrician, told newsmen on Sunday that the fully-serviced medical suite would provide 24-hour support to victims and survivors of rape and sexual violence.
In addition to clinical and forensic medical services, DaSilva-Ibru said that the centre would also provide “long-term therapy to survivors and integrate them successfully back into society’’
“It is our primary social responsibility to ensure that all young girls and women live in a society free of rape and social violence’’, said the NGO boss.
According to DaSilva-Ibru, WARIF has established partnerships with US-based Washington DC Rape Crisis Centre (DCRCC) and several government and non-government organisations to achieve its objectives.
Indira Henard, DCRCC Director, said at the unveiling that the establishment of WARIF was a game changer for sexual assault survivors in a timely manner.
“It is important that the international community come together to not only address gender-based violence, but also create resources and tools to enable self-determination and freedom for all’’, she said. (NAN)