...Donates Equipment to Both Police Commands to Support GBV Case Documentation
Vision Spring Initiatives (VSI), a non-governmental organization focused on advancing human rights and gender equality, has partnered with the police commands in Enugu and Anambra States to enhance law enforcement's response to gender-based violence (GBV). Supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), the initiative hosted a two-day capacity-building workshop in December 2024 to equip police officers with the skills and sensitivity required to effectively handle GBV cases.
The workshop in Enugu took place from December 12 to 13, 2024, followed by the session in Anambra on December 17 and 18, 2024. These workshops focused on practical approaches to managing GBV cases, including the complexities of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as the legal frameworks such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
Led by VSI’s Project Director, Ngozi Nwosu-Juba, and a team of experts, the training sessions aimed to equip officers with the critical skills necessary for responding to GBV cases. The training emphasized gender sensitivity, helping officers understand the emotional and psychological impacts of violence on survivors, and providing them with the tools to handle these cases with professionalism and care.
In Enugu, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kanayo Uzegbu, expressed his gratitude for the valuable insights gained from the workshop. "The training has been extremely beneficial in enhancing our ability to address GBV cases with the utmost care and professionalism," CP Uzegbu stated. "The donated equipment will significantly help in the documentation and management of these cases, ensuring that victims’ voices are heard."
Similarly, in Anambra, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, praised the initiative, recognizing the importance of such training in improving police responses to GBV. "This training will allow us to better understand the nuances of gender-based violence and how to respond appropriately," CP Itam remarked. "We are deeply grateful for the support from VSI and OSIWA in providing us with the necessary tools to better serve our communities."
As part of the collaboration, VSI, with OSIWA’s support, donated essential resources to the police, including computers and other accessories to aid in the proper documentation of GBV cases. These resources are vital in ensuring that cases are accurately recorded, tracked, and followed up, promoting greater accountability within law enforcement.
Vision Spring Initiatives’ ongoing work in Enugu and Anambra is part of a broader effort to promote human rights, particularly for women and girls, and to ensure that law enforcement agencies are properly equipped to handle GBV cases. VSI has been operating two legal clinics in both states, where legal officers have been providing pro bono legal services to indigent women and girls, helping them navigate the legal system in GBV cases.
Representatives and partners of VSI, Dr. Barr. Nnenna Anozie and Mrs. Miriam Menkiti, emphasized, "Our mission is to empower law enforcement officers to be more sensitive and responsive to the needs of GBV survivors. This training and the resources we’ve provided will ensure that officers in Enugu and Anambra are better equipped to address these critical issues."
