The Borno State Police Command has called for stringent laws to stop the withdrawal of rape and other sexual violence cases by relatives of victims in court.
DCP Ahmad Bello, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Borno, made the call in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, in his contribution at a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue.
Bello, who represented the Borno Police Command at the meeting, said victims mostly withdraw cases due to fear of stigmatization.
“Another major thing that needs to be addressed is the culture of silence and stigmatization of rape and other sexual violence victims.
“We have seen instances where, while a sexual violence case is progressing, prosecutors will get court affidavits from victims’ relatives saying they want to withdraw the case.
“Such intentions to withdraw have to do with fear of stigmatization.
“In many instances, the victims want justice but are put in a dilemma by their relatives,” he said.
Also, Bello called for laws to keep requests for withdrawal of the cases under KIV for some time to enable the victim to finally decide on the matter.
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Furthermore, he urged UN Women and other stakeholders to sponsor a bill addressing some of the loopholes slowing the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in society.
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