Ughelli South And Sapele LGAs In Delta State Have The Highest Rate Of Domestic Violence- Research
FREEPRESS – Ughelli South and Sapele Local Government Areas in Delta State have the highest rate of domestic violence and Violence Affecting Women and Girls (VAWG) for the Month of September, according to the Peace map data report from Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger-Delta, PIND.
This is part of efforts to support the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the Human Rights Day, Global Women for Quality and Sustainable Development and Gender Justice Joint Venture with support from PIND Foundation undertook 16 Days of Activism to campaign against Gender-Based Violence under the United Nations Women 2019 theme: “Orange the World: Generation, Equality Stands against Rape!”.
This was contained in a recent research carried out by Global Women for Quality and Sustainable Development-Gender Justice joint venture on behalf of PIND.
It was carried out between 26th November 2019 and 15th December 2019 during the Activities to Mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender.
It further revealed that a man reportedly killed his brother for having sexual relationship with his wife while a girl was reportedly found dead in a hotel in Amukpe Sapele LGA over infidelity.
During the same month of September, the corpse of a girl was found in a pool of blood in a farm in Ogorode, Sapele LGA.
The report jointly carried out by sisters organizations pointed out that “The girl was reportedly stabbed to death by unknown assailants. In a separate incident, an Inspector of Police was reportedly killed in a gun battle with herdsmen in Uvwiamughe community, Ughelli North LGA. Furthermore the report also indicated a high rate physical, psychological and sexual violence among other harmful cultural practices that limit women participation in community governance and decision-making in Sapele LGA of Delta State.
Report from the Gender Justice Platform revealed that only in the Month of September there were 12 cases of Rape/ Defilement/Molestation, 21 cases of Domestic Violence and 9 incidences of Brutal Physical Violence in Afiesere, Evwreni and Ivwrorode communities were allegedly reported.
Some perpetuators have been arrested while others charge to court for trial. In Ivwrorode community in Ughelli North, women were restricted from being part of a committee constituted for employment, this sparked protest from the women, as there were said to have marched to the president general for inclusion.
According to Amb. Mariam Kadiri Ezolome, Executive Director of Global Women for Quality and Sustainable Development-Gender Justice joint venture, “the objective is to gain the collaboration of state actors to take prompt actions against rape perpetuators in accordance with the provisions of the law and non-state actors to raise awareness to support the campaign against Gender Based Violence and act as active standbys to report rape incidence in Delta State.”
The actions, she added, “were stimulated to end violence against women and girls with emphasis on inclusive participation of women and girls in community governance, child molestation, rape and gang raping.”
Participants included Human Rights and Public Affairs Defense unit in the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Federation of Women Lawyers, Nigeria Bar Association, Faith Based Organizations, women and youth groups, PTA, traditional leaders, LGA leaders, councilors, Market Women Association, Road Transport Workers Association, Media and People Living with Disabilities.
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