ABEOKUTA -The Ogun State Police Command has strengthened its response to gender-based violence following a two-day capacity-building training on post-violence care and survivor-centred approaches for police officers in the state.
The training was organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the APIN Public Health Initiative to equip officers with the knowledge and skills required to handle GBV cases professionally while protecting survivors’ rights and dignity.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi, the workshop focused on appropriate procedures for first responders, including officers investigating cases of sexual assault, domestic violence and other forms of abuse.
Declaring the programme open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adebimpe Obienu, said, “The training was designed to strengthen security officers’ capacity to provide coordinated and rights-based responses to GBV.
“The workshop aimed to improve officers’ knowledge and practical skills in survivor-centred care, safe referral procedures and post-violence support while carrying out their statutory responsibilities.”
The first day of the training focused on the different forms of gender-based violence, its causes, risk factors and effects on individuals and society.
Participants also received technical guidance on relevant laws and the expectations of prosecutors during police investigations, with emphasis on the importance of proper evidence gathering and documentation.
Officers were trained on procedures for responding to incidents at crime scenes and police stations, including protecting survivors’ privacy, safety and dignity.
The sessions also covered appropriate interviewing techniques, obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, preserving evidence and avoiding actions that could retraumatise survivors.
The organisers further emphasised the need for effective referral systems linking police officers with Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), healthcare facilities and social welfare agencies across the state.
