The Ogun State Police Command has trained its officers on handling gender-based violence (GBV) cases and providing appropriate care for survivors, as part of efforts to strengthen investigations and improve support for victims.
The two-day capacity-building workshop was organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the APIN Public Health Initiative.
The training focused on ensuring that officers adopt survivor-centred and rights-based approaches when responding to cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and other forms of gender-based violence.
Speaking at the opening of the programme, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Adebimpe Folusho Obienu, said the initiative was designed to improve officers’ practical skills, strengthen coordination among relevant agencies and promote safe referral procedures for survivors.
Participants received training on the different forms and causes of gender-based violence, relevant laws, evidence preservation and the responsibilities of police officers during investigations.
The sessions also covered appropriate ways to interview survivors, obtain informed consent, maintain confidentiality and protect victims’ privacy and dignity throughout the investigative process.
Officers were further trained on referral pathways linking survivors to Sexual Assault Referral Centres, healthcare facilities and other support services.
The second day of the workshop focused on post-violence care, including medical treatment, psychological support, legal assistance and safety planning. Special attention was given to the urgent medical care required following sexual violence, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), where medically indicated.
The programme also addressed the handling of cases involving children, intimate-partner violence, domestic abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, alongside safeguarding measures for vulnerable individuals.
Participants reviewed provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and discussed the roles of police Gender Units, Family Support Units, social welfare agencies and Sexual Assault Referral Centres in supporting survivors.
The training included practical exercises on risk assessment, documentation, receiving disclosures and making appropriate referrals. Discussions also highlighted professional accountability and the need to prevent survivors from experiencing further trauma during investigations.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, said the command, under Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, remained committed to continuous training to improve professionalism and ensure effective protection and support for survivors across the state.
The initiative is expected to strengthen police response to gender-based violence and improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies, health providers and social welfare institutions.
