The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has called on Bauchi residents to stop treating gender-based violence (GBV) as private or family affair.
Ms Safiya Salihu, Vice Chairperson of FIDA Bauchi, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Bauchi.
She stressed the need for a shift in public attitudes that protect perpetrators and silence victims.
Salihu noted that although GBV had existed for a long time, increase awareness is encouraging more survivors to speak out.
She maintained that laws alone cannot protect victims, and emphasised mindsets change and seriousness in handling of complaints by authorities.
The Vice Chairperson lamented that many still discourage victims from reporting GBV cases or seeking legal redress.
Salihu explained that existing laws including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and its state versions provide clear remedies such as protection orders and sanctions against abusers.
“However, enforcement remains weak where victims are urged to ‘settle’ instead of seeking justice,” she said.
She said that the group and its partners have successfully intervened in several GBV cases through community engagement and timely action.
“FIDA has also trained para-legals in Alkaleri, Ganjuwa, Bauchi, and Dass Local Government Areas to serve as first responders and referral agents for survivors,” she added.
Salihu urged duty-bearers and community leaders to stop blaming victims and ensure that GBV complaints are treated as serious crimes.
She therefore, called for continuous public education so that citizens know their rights and support survivors rather than stigmatise them.
