“We are building a stronger response mechanism where victims/survivors are given medical, psychological, social and legal assistance so that they can overcome the sad experience and move on with their lives, stronger.
“It is to be used by GBV caseworkers, desk officers, Incident Report Officers and approved service providers, to ensure there is no duplication of case response by caseworkers. This also enables us to have proper data analysis of cases reported and also ensure there are appropriate referral pathways and good case tracking. It helps with data gathering analysis as well as information sharing using acceptable safe protocols.”
Mrs. Ikpeazu further explained that the training was part of a conscious effort geared towards strengthening major stakeholders within the response system.
According to her, she has so far seen to “the passage and signing of the VAPP Law, the restructuring of the State GBV Technical Committee/Working Group, the creation of the State GBV Action Committee and the setting up of a GBV Resource Centre.
“We are also in the process of selecting and appointing Protection Officers including the full involvement of the LGA Chairpersons in the fight against GBV, the completion of the GBV Standard Operating Procedures and Training manuals, the completion of several Guidelines for doing work in the system, and the creation of a standardized Incident Reporting Template and Referral Forms that help index each case,” she added.
She further disclosed that she was working on the review of the Child Rights Law which was first introduced 15 years ago and due for review, stating, “We have also laid before the House several laws: a Bill Against Obnoxious Widowhood Practices; and the People Living with Disability Law. We are reintroducing the Equal Opportunities Bill has otherwise known A Bill for a Law for Equal Rights and Opportunities for Men, Women and Special Persons in Abia State.”
