Gender-Based Violence: Benue SARC Coordinator Seeks Support from ROLAC, Devt Partners To Equip Center

Benue State SARC Director, Linda Ene Dirisu, making remarks during a 3-day conference of Sexual Assault Centres organized by ROLAC Nigeria at the Nicon Hilton, Abuja

The Benue State Coordinator of the Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC), Linda Ene Dirisu, has appealed to the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC) and other development partners for support to equip the center and train its staff.

Dirisu made the appeal on Tuesday during a three-day conference for Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) organized by ROLAC Nigeria at the Nicon Hilton, Abuja. The event, themed “Access to Justice for Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Strengthening Inter-Agency Coordination,” was part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

In her remarks, Dirisu lamented that Benue State has one of the highest rates of GBV cases in Nigeria hence the need to strengthen the center. She promised to work tirelessly until she sees that the centre is up and doing. According to the coordinator, she has been engaging with relevant stakeholders in and outside the state for support for the centre.

The SARC is intended to provide a safe space and dedicated care for victims of rape, sexual assault, and abuse. However, the Benue SARC, located at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, has been inactive for years.