The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, on Saturday, urged the judiciary to eliminate all forms of delay and prioritise accelerated hearing of cases of sexual violence.
Justice Dipeolu also called on lawyers to provide pro bono legal services to victims of sexual violence as a way of helping them access justice and necessary legal support during this trying time.
The Chief Judge, represented by Justice Adedokun Jibodu, made the call while delivering her keynote address titled “Strengthening Legal Pathways for Survivors of Sexual Violence” at a day-long women empowerment programme tagged “Justice For Survivors of Sexual Violence”, organised by Headforth Foundation.
She stated that the theme of the sensitisation programme reinforces a call to action that strikes at the very heart of the judicial mandate to provide redress, protect the vulnerable, and affirm the rule of law.
Justice Dipeolu said that sexual violence is a crime that not only inflicts physical harm but seeks to annihilate the spirit, describing it, as declared by Justice Chima Nweze, as “a fundamental assault on human dignity.”
She disclosed that, though the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of Ogun State (2017) provides a strong legal platform to fight sexual violence, all stakeholders must strengthen this legal path to enhance accelerated justice for survivors.
The CJ stated, “The judiciary has a duty to eliminate delay. Cases of sexual violence must be prioritised. We must utilise provisions for in-camera trials and screen testimony to protect survivors from the intimidation of an open court.
“Our rulings must reflect the seriousness of the crime and the legislature’s intent, making full use of compensation orders.”
Quoting the late legal luminary, Justice Kayode Eso, she added, “The law is not a respecter of any person or status. The CJ must always pursue a justice delivery that is impartial and accessible to all, irrespective of the power or status of the accused.”
To lawyers, Justice Dipeolu said that, as the first line of guidance for survivors of sexual violence, they should provide pro bono services, guide survivors through the process, and hold the system accountable for its failures.
The CJ also called on the police to establish Gender Desks committed to providing a sensitive, professional, and swift response to sexual violence cases.
She emphasised that a survivor’s first interaction with the justice system, such as with the police, can either re-victimise them or begin their journey to healing, adding that for a thorough case against sexual offenders to be pursued, “Evidence must be preserved, statements taken with empathy, while investigations must be conducted with urgency.”
The CJ said another vital document for accessing justice is the Police Medical Form, which she described as not just paperwork but a foundational piece of evidence, adding that hospitals must be sanctuaries of care and centres of forensic excellence, understanding the critical role they play in building a credible case.
While thanking civil society and NGOs like Headforth Foundation for their advocacy against sexual violence, Justice Dipeolu called for more collaborative efforts with members of the public to deepen sensitisation and strengthen support for survivors of gender-based violence.
The Chief Judge particularly urged religious and community leaders to be strong allies in dismantling the culture of silence and shame, urging them to “preach against victim-blaming and create a safe environment for survivors.”
Speaking at the event, the Programme Manager of Headforth Foundation for Justice, Oluwakemi Adenekan, said the foundation organised the gathering to close gaps within the country’s justice system. She said the organisation achieves this through free legal aid, human rights advocacy, and other initiatives.
Adenekan added that one of the challenges identified is survivors’ inability to access justice, either due to fear of stigma or lack of knowledge on the steps to seek redress.
She stated, “This is why we have decided to put up this programme in partnership with African Women Development Fund, FIDA, Nigeria Bar Association, Gender Development Initiatives, as well as Arogi Traumacare Foundation, to educate women, especially in remote areas, on steps to access justice for survivors of sexual violence.”
Other speakers at the sensitisation programme included Prof. Olubunmi Ashimolowo, Executive Director of Gender Development Initiative; Mrs Oluwatoyin Orelaja, Centre Manager, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Sagamu; Mrs Taiwo Olusesi, Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers; and representatives of the police, among others.
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