The Police in Yobe State has advocated the establishment of family courts to handle cases of minors and Gender Based Violence, GBV.
The spokesman of the command, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, in an interview on Tuesday said family courts would protect victims’ identities and enhance justice delivery for minors in cases of rape, molestation and gross indecency.
Abdulkarim said cultural sensitivities often discouraged families from reporting or pursuing justice in open courts for fear of stigma.
“In our culture, when a girl is molested, it becomes difficult for her to find acceptance in marriage. Conducting such trials openly exposes the victim and her family to shame,” he said.
He therefore called for the creation of specialized courts as provided under the Child Protection Law, to ensure confidentiality and protect the dignity of victims.
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The spokesman said Yobe was among the states that domesticated the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, Law, which broadened the legal definition of rape and related offences.
Abdulkarim said the state recorded highest number of rape cases in 2020 with over 120 incidents, adding the figure declined sequel to the interventions by development organizations.
He attributed the feat to sensitization campaigns and increased community involvement, lamenting that many cases were not reported due to the cost of seeking justice.
“People have lost confidence in the system because legal aid services are almost non-functional. Many victims cannot afford the expenses of pursuing a case in court,” he said.
Abdulkarim identified poverty, ignorance and parental negligence as major drivers of sexual violence, adding that offenders take advantage of vulnerable children in the markets and streets.
He called on government agencies, civil society groups and the media to intensify sensitization to create awareness on the VAPP and Child Protection laws.
“The more pressure the media and civil organizations mount, the faster we will see action,” he said.
The spokesman reiterated commitment of the command to collaborate with the Ministry of Women Affairs and development partners, to combat GBV and promote child protection in the state.
NAN
