The Bauchi State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) has successfully rehabilitated approximately 300 survivors in the state.
These survivors received vital care and attention essential for rebuilding their confidence and reintegrating into normal life.
Talatu Musa, the secretary of the committee, shared this information during an interaction with journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Bauchi.
The committee has been actively addressing various issues related to sexual assault, deprivation, child abuse, and domestic violence.
It collaborates with the police and response teams across all 20 local government areas of the state.
All SGBV services provided by the committee are offered free of charge, supported by the governor’s approval of a budget for day-to-day operations, including transportation of victims from the local government areas to the state capital.
The committee was established three years ago by the first lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, with the aim of combating sexual and gender-based violence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was officially established in July 2020, focusing on raising awareness about GBV and taking proactive measures in collaboration with various stakeholders in the state.
Notably, Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed assented to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, incorporating the provision of the death penalty for SGBV suspects found guilty in the state.
