The Lagos State Government has inaugurated another sexual assault referral centre at the Alimosho General Hospital to tackle cases of sexual and gender-based violence in the state.

The centre, which is the third in the state and the 30th in Nigeria, is an initiative of the British Council and is funded by the European Union.

The wife of the governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stated that the establishment of the centre showed the commitment of the administration to stop sexual and gender-based violence in the state.

Ibijoke noted that the facility was equipped with the personnel to help victims of sexual abuse and violence with services such as counselling and psychological support, medical tests for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.

She said, “The establishment of this centre heartily confirms the commitment of the Lagos State Government to stamp out the menace of sexual and gender-based violence in our dear state and by extension the country at large, and most importantly, care for the victims of those crimes.

“It is particularly reassuring and comforting that this centre has been strategically and intentionally established in Alimosho, which currently carries a huge burden of being the local government in the state with the highest cases of domestic and sexual violence crimes.”

The acting Director of the British Council in Nigeria, Stephen Forbes, said the centre would provide victims with an environment of confidentiality.

“We have a really difficult year across the world with the rise in sexual and gender-based violence enabled by people being at home and unable to complain but momentum is building in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. We have had so many people telling their stories and that is a start,” he said.

The National Programme Manager of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, Danladi Plang, advocated comprehensive support and actions from the federal, state and local governments.

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