Mrs Yemi Mahmud-Fasanmi, the
Ondo State Commissioner for Woman Affairs and Social Development, on
Wednesday called on government to establish a special court to try cases
of rape and violence against women.
Mahmud-Fasanmi made the call in Akure while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria.
She said: “I condemn in totality violence against women. I advise government to do something to reduce the incidence to the barest minimum.
“In fact, I personally advocate for a special court for such cases so that the perpetrators of rape and violence can be prosecuted.
“In Ondo State for instance, we have a family court that settles family issues; the same thing should be done for children and women when abused so that the culprits are brought to book.”
Yemi said one of the MDG goals was the protection of the rights of women and the girl child, adding that there was need for the rights to be enforced.
According to her, it is disheartening for a 72-year-old man to rape a minor and be allowed to escape justice.
“I want to appeal to parents to report violence against women and rape cases to the appropriate bodies as well as to take such victims to hospitals for tests to be conducted,’’ she said.
He said the outcome of the tests would be used as strong evidence in court.
“If test is conducted within limited time, one of the major things is settled; but what we hear is that parents keep such victims away from doctors,’’ she said.
The commissioner also said the ministry had been working with the police and other security agencies to reduce the menace in the state.
“As soon as we have such report, we write and get the police and other concerned law enforcement agencies to handle the cases,’’ she added.
Mahmud-Fasanmi made the call in Akure while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria.
She said: “I condemn in totality violence against women. I advise government to do something to reduce the incidence to the barest minimum.
“In fact, I personally advocate for a special court for such cases so that the perpetrators of rape and violence can be prosecuted.
“In Ondo State for instance, we have a family court that settles family issues; the same thing should be done for children and women when abused so that the culprits are brought to book.”
Yemi said one of the MDG goals was the protection of the rights of women and the girl child, adding that there was need for the rights to be enforced.
According to her, it is disheartening for a 72-year-old man to rape a minor and be allowed to escape justice.
“I want to appeal to parents to report violence against women and rape cases to the appropriate bodies as well as to take such victims to hospitals for tests to be conducted,’’ she said.
He said the outcome of the tests would be used as strong evidence in court.
“If test is conducted within limited time, one of the major things is settled; but what we hear is that parents keep such victims away from doctors,’’ she said.
The commissioner also said the ministry had been working with the police and other security agencies to reduce the menace in the state.
“As soon as we have such report, we write and get the police and other concerned law enforcement agencies to handle the cases,’’ she added.
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