UNIZIK students sensitized on sexual gender-based violence, urged to report abuse
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka were Wednesday sensitized on sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) and urged to report cases of abuse.
The message was delivered during an awareness campaign organized by the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) program.
Addressing students at the new Faculty of Education lecture building, the team lead and Chairperson Service Providers and Accountability Resource Committee (SPARC) of the Ministry of Justice, Rachael Yohanna, highlighted the consequences of SGBV and the need for students to prioritize their academic goal.
She urged them to shun all forms of sexual violence, emphasizing the importance of promoting a culture of respect and dignity for all individuals.
“Our aim is to educate you students on the dangers of SGBV and the importance of reporting cases to the relevant authorities. We are here because we recognize that many rape cases occur in universities, and we need students to learn about the issue and report incidents to us for action,” she said.
Yohanna lectured the students on what constitutes consents for sexual intimacy, warning them that any individual below the age of 18 cannot give lawful consent to sex. She emphasized the needs for students to set boundaries so as not to fall victims or prey to sexual abuse.
Yohanna encouraged students to report cases of sexual violence in their neighbourhood to enable state government to track and monitor sex offenders for inclusion in the state and national Sexual Offender Register (SOR).
“Any person found guilty of rape, defilement or other sexual offenses will be entered into the database, and their details will be circulated nationally,” she added.
She said the introduction of the sexual offender register is part of the state efforts to combat sexual violence and promote a culture of accountability.
She advised them to seek immediate medical attention and testing immediately after an incident to obtain evidence and receive treatment. In cases of rape, she assured them that the case would be handled at no cost as the Ministry of Justice would provide free legal representation.
She also cautioned young men to be mindful of their actions and avoid situations that could lead to false accusations that could ruin their reputation and future.
Contributing, Executive Director of Creative Minds Center For Youth & Community Development, Ugochi Freeman, advised students to avoid unhealthy relationships, emphasizing that cohabitation and the “campus couple” phenomenon can lead to various problems, including sexual exploitation and abuse.
In his remarks, Dr Gabriel Alonta, a lecturer in the university, said the awareness was timely. He encouraged students to heed the advice and live responsibly to achieve their academic goals.
