In a push for justice and support for victims of sexual violence, Deputy Commissioner of Police in Borno, DCP Ahmad Bello, has called for stringent laws to prevent the withdrawal of rape and other sexual violence cases by victims’ relatives. His appeal was made during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue, organized by UN Women in collaboration with the Borno Ministry of Women Affairs.
The Issue of Withdrawal and Stigma
During his address, Bello highlighted a significant barrier to justice: the culture of silence and the stigma surrounding sexual violence. He noted that many cases are withdrawn by victims’ families, often due to fear of societal stigma. “We have seen instances where, while a sexual violence case is progressing, prosecutors will get court affidavits from victim relations saying they want to withdraw the case,” Bello explained. “Such intentions to withdraw have to do with fear of stigmatisation.”
Impact on Victims
Bello emphasized that this dilemma places victims in a difficult position. While many victims seek justice, their relatives’ concerns about stigma often lead to the withdrawal of cases, denying victims the opportunity for justice and closure. This practice not only hampers legal proceedings but also perpetuates the culture of silence around sexual violence.
Proposed Legal Reforms
To combat this issue, Bello proposed the implementation of laws that would require any request to withdraw a case to be kept in view (KIV) for a certain period. This would provide victims with additional time to make a definitive decision about pursuing justice, free from external pressures. He urged UN Women and other stakeholders to sponsor a bill aimed at closing these legal loopholes and strengthening the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.
Moving Forward
The call for stricter laws and better protection for victims is a crucial step towards addressing the systemic issues surrounding sexual violence in society. By creating a legal framework that supports victims and ensures that their cases are handled with the seriousness they deserve, stakeholders can help foster an environment where justice is attainable, and the culture of silence is broken.
Bello’s appeal underscores the need for a collective effort to enhance gender-responsive security operations and community dialogue, ensuring that victims of sexual violence receive the justice and support they need.
