T he Sexual Assault Referral Centre located within the State Specialist Hospital facility at Asubiaro, Osogbo, capital of Osun State is yet to commence operation, THE POINT investigation has revealed.
It was discovered that the Centre, which is designed to serve as a safe and confidential space offering comprehensive support services including medical care, psychological support, legal aid, and appropriate referrals for survivors of sexual and domestic abuse still lacks basic needs despite assurances by the state government after its reactivation.
The building was hitherto constructed and used for the COVID-19 global pandemic but it was converted to SARC by the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
Specifically, Kafayat Oyetola, the wife of the former governor was instrumental to the conversion of the structure. However, the Centre could not function because there was no provision of basic needs such as medical and non-medical officials, adequate equipment.
When THE POINT correspondent visited the building recently, only the beds and curtains used during the COVID-19 outbreak were available. No staff was seen and the place was locked.
Stakeholders and human rights activists in the state had been clamouring for the reopening and functionality of the Centre, describing it as a major facility that would address the medical, psychological and other needs of survivors of rape, molestation, parental care deprivation, gender based violence and other forms of assault.
The demand for the operation of the SARC became expedient following the increasing rate of SGBV, including abuse of persons with disabilities.
It was discovered that with the SARC being in full operation, trained professionals in the health, legal, security, psycho-socio among other relevant sectors would be drafted to be at the Centre to offer services to survivors.
Years after its abandonment, the Osun State Government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke recently approved the reactivation and commencement of operation of the SARC.
The notification of the commencement was made known by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Abimbola Babatunde, who notified stakeholders of the reactivation and full functionality of the Osun SARC.
The Permanent Secretary, who applauded the state government for being passionate about the welfare of women and children in the state, reiterated that her ministry as the mother body of the SARC, would ensure that it is optimally utilised based on the objective of its creation.
She added that with the support of the Ministry of Health, Hospital Management Board, the state Ministry of Justice; and law enforcement agencies including the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others, Osun SARC would serve as a safe and confidential space offering comprehensive support services including medical care, psychological support, legal aid, and appropriate referrals.
“It will operate with a multi- agency approach to ensure that survivors receive holistic support to healing and justice, uphold the rights, safety, and dignity of every citizen especially women, children, and other vulnerable groups,” she had said.
Reiterating the Centre as a landmark initiative and a direct demonstration of the unwavering commitment of Adeleke’s administration, she said the SARC is a safe, confidential, and survivor-friendly space established to provide comprehensive support for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
“Survivors will have access to immediate medical care, forensic services, psychosocial and trauma counseling, legal advice and representation, law enforcement support and case follow-up among others,” Babatunde had promised.
She had called on the general public to take ownership of the initiative saying, “If you or anyone you know is experiencing sexual or gender-based violence do not remain silent. Speak up. Report. Get help. Justice is within reach.”
But, the Centre is yet to begin operation after its resuscitation.
Meanwhile, stakeholders including a non-governmental organisation, the Centre for Women’s Health and Information and disability communities have continued to engage relevant authorities to ensure that the Centre functions optimally.
The Director of CEWHIN, Atinuke Odukoya, recently visited the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, Ayobola Awolowo and the Executive Secretary of Osun State Bureau For People With Disabilities, Ayobami Oyetunde, where he made mention of the need for the SARC to be up and running.
While Awolowo affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to work in collaboration with CEWHIN to achieve the set goals for SARC, Oyetunde expressed readiness to partner with stakeholders to ensure that the Centre functions and the people of the state, including persons with disabilities, make use of it.
Also advocating for the disability communities in Osun State, Funmilayo Abdullahi, a disability rights activist, listed some vital items and equipment that should be made available in the SARC for inclusiveness.
“We urge the Ministries overseeing the SARC center to prioritise accessibility and inclusivity for all people with disabilities (PWDs), particularly women and girls with disabilities in Osun State. To ensure equal access, we recommend implementing the following measures: Wheelchair ramps and accessible infrastructure, sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired, magnifying glasses or other assistive devices for persons with albinism, braille materials for the visually impaired.
“By taking these steps, the SARC center can become a more inclusive and supportive resource for all PWDs in Osun State,” she said.