By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
The Concerned Women International Development Imitative (CWIDI) has called on the Benue State Government to increase funding for the Benue State Sexual Assault Referral Centre, BenSACR, to strengthen the state’s response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) especially against adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).
CWIDI’s Director of Programmes, Mrs Bridget Okeke who made the call contained in a statement released to journalists Tuesday in Makurdi, emphasized that BenSACR plays a critical role in providing life-saving medical care, forensic examination, psychosocial counseling and legal referrals to survivors of sexual violence across the state.
She described BenSACR as a lifeline for survivors of sexual violence but lamented that limited operational funding has continued to hamper the Centre’s ability to provide consistent, quality, and 24-hour services.
CWIDI expressed worry why the number of reported SGBV cases in Benue State has continued to rise, particularly among young women and girls in rural and conflict-affected communities, restating its call on the Benue State Government to prioritize funding for the center to ensure that no survivor is left without help, hope, or justice.
The CWIDI Director of Programmes noted that without adequate funding, many survivors will be unable to access timely and comprehensive care or pursue justice due to weak coordination and limited resources, urging the Benue State Ministries of Health; Women Affairs and Social Development; Finance and Economic Planning to: Allocate and release dedicated budgetary funding for the full operationalization and sustainability of BenSACR.
This she argued will cover medical supplies, forensic kits, PEP, emergency contraception, psychosocial support, staff training, and 24-hour service delivery.
She equally suggested Strengthening multi-sectoral coordination between BenSACR, the Police, Ministry of Justice, FIDA, and community-based organizations for seamless referral, data sharing, and survivor follow-up as well as expand BenSACR’s reach to underserved LGAs through outreach and integration with primary healthcare facilities.
Okeke argued that strengthening BenSACR aligns with the Benue State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law and the Gender Policy, both of which mandate survivor-centered response and access to justice, advising that increased government funding of the organization would enhance public trust and reduce reliance on donor support.
She noted that Government commitment to BenSACR would send a powerful message that Benue State stands with survivors and will not tolerate sexual violence and advocated for sustained state funding as well as improved coordination for BenSACR to operate 24 hours daily with improved survivor – centered care .
According to Okeke if necessary mechanisms are put in place, survivors will have better access to justice, healthcare, and psychosocial support, stressing that Multi-sectoral GBV response mechanisms will be stronger, more coordinated, and sustainable.
