Campaign Aganist Rape, Gender-Based Violence In A’Ibom
The horrors of rape against women and children in the past few months have risen to an unimaginable proportion. The act has been rated as one of the highest crimes in Akwa lbom State. It also, unfortunately, triggers certain fears in some communities in the state.
In an effort to tackle the menace of rape and gender-based violence in the society, the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, recently assented to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill passed by the 7th Assembly.
According to the state attorney general and commissioner for justice, Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (VAPPL) 2020 provides a penalty of a life sentence for rapists, revealing that the law also provides 14 years imprisonment for perpetrators of gender-based violence and any kind of sexual offense other than rape.
This informs why different groups in the state have added their voices to campaign against sexual and gender-based violence. These groups include the state government (Mr Udom Emmanuel together with members of the executive council); the wife of the governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Udom Emmanuel; the Akwa lbom State House of Assembly; International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA); Legislators’ Wives Association (LEWA); National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ); AKS chapter; Wives of Local Government Chairmen; media practitioners and other citizens of Akwa Ibom State.
Crystal Express serves you pictorials of the events.
