Lagos Upgrades Police Prosecutorial Skills For SGBV

Stakeholders in the justice sector last week converged on Lagos to train and equip police prosecutors and others in the prosecution of domestic and s3xual and other forms of Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

The beneficiaries included no fewer than 70 police personnel, state prosecutors and officers of newly upgraded Family Support Unit (FSUs) in the various formations under the State Police Command.

The faculty at the two-day programmer included Director Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins; Head of Training, Police College Training School, ASP Emegwamor Kenneth; Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya, Partner, Awodi LP; Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran; and founder Women’s Rights and Health Project, Mrs. Bose Ironsi.

They took the participants through best practices for prosecuting s3xual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases and an overview of the laws.

DSVA Executive Secretary , Mrs. Lola Vivour-Adeniyi said the programme was designed to increase the pool of trained police personnel to provide support services to victims; ensure victims of SGBVs have access to justice; improve investigation and evidence gathering and to also ensure professional handling of cases.

She said these pieces of training would boost the morale of the personnel thereby instilling a higher level of confidence in the justice system.

Vivour-Adeniyi explained that the Police are usually the first port of call of post-exposure to the trauma of SGBV, adding that they need to be professional, responsive and relaxed.

She said they are, thus, critical stakeholders in the agency’s response mechanism to SGBV.

The DSVA Executive Secretary explained that the FSUs were designated Police Stations which have trained Police personnel to investigate incidents pertaining to SGBV.

She said with the training of Police and State Prosecutors, access to justice would be enhanced.

According to her, there would be an increase in convictions as well as the provision of holistic care, management and support to survivors when complaints are lodged in the Police Stations.

She said the state initially has 17 FSUs but with the support of the Attorney-General of the state and the Commissioner of Police, five additional units would be upgraded in the metropolis” and these include Ilasan, Imota, Ipaja, Igando and Surulere stations.