The Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development (PIBCID), has in partnership with Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), trained about 30 persons in Adankolo Community of Lokoja LGA on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law.
In a presentation by Barr. Joy Akinola at a capacity building training on violence against persons prohibition law, explained that the VAPP law, enacted in Nigeria in 2015 and domesticated in the State, aims to eliminate violence in both private and public life, offers protection and remedies to victims, and punish offenders.
Speaking on the Theme: Overview of VAPP Law, said the law seeks to address various forms of violence, including physical, emotional, and economic abuse, provides legal recourse for survivors.
The Legal expert said if well understood by the Community leaders, will help in eliminating violence against persons, including domestic violence, sexual violence, harmful traditional practices, and violence by state actors.
She said the law aims to create a safer environment for all citizens by outlawing harmful practices and providing legal avenues for redress, urged the Community heads to put together use the information taught them to use in making Adankolo Community safer.
While speaking on the protection and remedies for Victims, Barr. Joy said the VAPP law mandates the provision of maximum protection and effective remedies for victims of violence, allows for the issuance of protection orders, safety orders, and interim protection orders to safeguard victims from further harm.
She urged the Community heads to note that the VAPP law addresses the issue of harmful widowhood practices, abandonment of dependents, and other forms of abuse that disproportionately affect women and children.
On the punishment of offenders, Barr. Joy
says the VAPP law which is not about any gender, ensures that perpetrators of violence are held accountable for their actions, provides for the punishment of offenders through fines, imprisonment, or other penalties depending on the severity of the offense.
She further said the VAPP law addresses emerging forms of violence, pointing out that it recognizes and addresses violence such as emotional and psychological abuse, stalking, and cyberstalking, which were not adequately covered in previous legislation.
The law she explained serves as a deterrent to potential offenders and empowers victims to seek justice and support, described the VAPP law as a crucial piece of legislation in the State efforts to combat violence, protect its citizens, and build a more just and equitable society.
By the domestication of the VAPP Law in the State, Barr. Joy says it signals a commitment to ending violence against persons and promoting a culture of respect and accountability, pointing out that ignorance is not an excuse against violence, reason for the training.
The Executive Director of PIBCID, Remilekun Rachael Akande, said the capacity building training on Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, aims at equipping the Community leaders of Adankolo on the overview of the VAPP Law.
She explained that following the signing into law of the VAPP law, said there was the need for enlightenment as ignorance is not an excuse in law.
In a remarks at the training, the Etsu Adankolo, His Royal Highness, Chief Elder David Aibe Agbayi (JP), described the enlightenment as one that could not have come at a better time, described the capacity building as very impactful.
In her remarks, Hajia Sadiq Lami, said until the capacity building training, she has been living in ignorance, expressed appreciation to PIBCID and NWTF for the training, promised a step down for other women in the Community.
