As part of efforts to ensure effective handling of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has held a retreat for Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) service providers in the state.

Commissioner in the Ministry, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, while delivering a keynote address during the retreat in Abeokuta, said the gathering was an avenue to brainstorm ways to enhance service delivery in SARC, improve survivors' experience and work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment.

Hon. Adeleye stated that SARC service providers were frontlines in the fight against GBV, who ensure that survivors find a safe space where they could rely on for essential recovery.

"As service providers you are the frontlines of this fight, and your role is not only to deliver services but to make every survivor feel welcomed and supported not forgetting that your ability to also empathise, listen and provide a safe space for survivors is essential to their recovery", she said.

Adeleye pointed out that the creation of three new additional SARC Centres in Abeokuta, Ilaro and Ijebu-Ode, would complement the one located in Sagamu, to enhance the support available for survivors, in order to allow them seek refuge, justice, as well as receive medical and psychology care.

She revealed that the state government in conjunction with the UNFPA has reeled out toll free lines to report GBV cases to get necessary support, given the lines as 08000000666, 08000000555 respectively.

In her welcome address, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole urged the participants to take advantage of the retreat to cross-fertilise ideas and act in line with the best global practices, towards strengthening the collaborative effort with stakeholders in combating GBV in the state, reiterating government’s commitment to justice, compassion and equality.

On her part, the UNFPA Gender Reproductive Health Analyst in the state, Dr. Esther Shomefun emphasised the need to improve the skill of SARC service providers in making them a problem solver through the provision of standard care using the survivor center approach in handling GBV cases.

She lauded the synergy between the state government and UNFPA in supporting survivors, protecting and putting their interest at heart, noting that the organisation had zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment of survivors from SARC service providers.

 Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mesdames Oluwatoyin Bada and Kafayat Odele appreciated the organiser for the retreat, promising to utilise knowledge gained to improve service delivery at their centres.