Officers of the Ogun State Police Command have undergone a two-day capacity-building training on post-violence care and gender-based violence (GBV), aimed at improving investigations and ensuring better protection for survivors of abuse.
The training was organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the APIN Public Health Initiative.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Declaring the training open, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adebimpe Folusho Obienu, explained that the programme was designed to strengthen officers’ knowledge and practical skills in handling gender-based violence cases.
She noted that the initiative focused on survivor-centred, rights-based and coordinated responses, including appropriate referrals and access to post-violence care.
Police Officers Trained on Handling Abuse Cases
According to the statement, the first day of the workshop focused on understanding gender-based violence, including common misconceptions, its different forms, underlying causes, risk factors and effects on society.
Participants also received technical guidance on relevant laws and the expectations of prosecutors during police investigations, with emphasis on the importance of gathering and preserving evidence to support the prosecution of alleged offenders.
The training highlighted the role of police officers as first responders, stressing the need to handle complaints professionally and ensure that survivors are treated with dignity and respect.
Officers were trained on appropriate procedures at crime scenes and police stations, including protecting survivors’ safety and privacy, avoiding discrimination and communicating in ways that do not cause further emotional distress.
Other areas covered included proper interviewing techniques, obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality and preserving evidence that may be required during investigations.
The sessions also examined how officers could establish effective referral channels with Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and healthcare facilities across Ogun State.
Training Covers Medical and Psychological Support
The second day of the programme focused on post-violence care pathways, including medical treatment, psychological support, legal assistance and safety planning for survivors.
Special attention was given to the importance of timely medical intervention following sexual violence.
Participants were informed about the need for urgent clinical assessment and the administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), where indicated, within 72 hours of a possible HIV exposure.
The training also addressed appropriate responses to cases involving children, intimate-partner violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and exploitation.
Officers were further guided on safeguarding procedures for individuals considered to be at heightened risk of further abuse or harm.
VAPP Law and Inter-Agency Cooperation
The workshop reviewed Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) framework, including the VAPP Law 2015, and emphasised the importance of applying relevant legal provisions when handling allegations of violence.
Participants also examined the responsibilities of Police Gender Units, Family Support Units, Sexual Assault Referral Centres and social welfare agencies in responding to cases and supporting survivors.
The programme featured practical exercises on receiving disclosures from survivors, assessing risks, documenting incidents and conducting referral procedures.
Discussions also addressed professional conduct, accountability among officers and strategies for managing secondary trauma that may affect personnel who regularly handle distressing cases.
Ogun Police Command Reaffirms Commitment
Babaseyi said the Ogun State Police Command, under Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, remained committed to continuous training aimed at strengthening professionalism and improving service delivery.
He added that the command was focused on ensuring effective protection and support for survivors across the state.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve how gender-based violence cases are reported, investigated and managed, while strengthening cooperation between law enforcement officers, healthcare providers and social welfare agencies.
Improved training is expected to help officers respond more sensitively to complaints, preserve crucial evidence and connect survivors with the medical, psychological and legal assistance they need.
The programme also underscores the importance of protecting survivors from further harm while ensuring that allegations are investigated professionally and in accordance with the law.
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