VAWG: Experts Advise Parents to Preserve Blood, Sperm Stains on Rape victims
By Khadija Aliyu
Experts have advised parents of rape victims, not to wash off the sperm or blood stains, until the case is reported to Police.
The experts gave the advice, at a Town hall Meeting to commemorate,the 2023 16 Days of Activism on Global Campaign for the elimination of Violence Against Women, organized by Coalition for Policy Advocacy Kano, C-PAK, in collaboration with National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption, RoLAC.
Speaking at the event, Dr Zainab Nagee, representing BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights in C-PAK, explained that,if blood, sperm or other fluids are washed off, it would be difficult for Police to establish case against suspects.
According to her, leaving the blood or sperm on the body of a victim, could convince Police take action on the incident for prosecution.
Dr Nagee noted that, to doctors it does not matter whether the stain is washed off or not, as they could investigate and find that a victim truly suffered rape or other form of assault.
“But as for the police, they want to have clear evidence of rape, which include stain of blood or sperm, to establish the case.
Dr Nagee decried over rising cases of gender-based violence, especially married couples, calling on stakeholders to continue brainstorming on the way forward.
On her part, Binta Buba, a Counsellor at Waraka Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, lamented the prevalent cases of rape.
According to her, the centre, receives frightening number of rape cases on daily bases, especially against minors, calling on parents, religious leaders and relevant stakeholders, to be proactive to end the menace.
Binta Buba however, attributed lack of funding as a major catalyst, scuttling the fight against rape and other violence, against women and children.
“There are challenges in prosecution. Most of the times, we face delay in delivering judgement and the entire prosecution against the suspects”
Radio Nigeria reports that, the meeting was attended by Civil Society Organizations, Ulamas, traditional rulers and media practitioners where vital issues were raised on how to check the issue of violence against women.
