The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) has identified the lack of data and shelter for survivors as key factors fuelling rising cases of gender-based violence in Anambra State.

The Executive Director of GPSDC, Eucharia Anekwe, stated this in Awka on Wednesday during the opening of a two-day training aimed at building community capacity in tackling GBV.

The training is themed, “Empowering Christian Women and Women Leaders of Culture for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria, through the Strengthening of Grassroots Organisations.”

Ms Anekwe said the absence of reliable data and shelters weakens prevention, protection, and prosecution mechanisms, allowing GBV to persist and escalate.

She stated, “Without GBV data, policymakers cannot gauge the scale of abuse, allocate resources effectively, or design interventions. These have allowed many cases to go unreported and perpetrators to act with impunity. Without safe shelters, survivors are often forced to return to their abusers, leaving them trapped and vulnerable to repeated or more severe violence.’’

Ms Anekwe laments that Anambra State has only one sexual assault referral centre, which she describes as inadequate.

“By the time a survivor reaches the referral centre, evidence may have been tampered with due to the long distance,” she said.

She commended the ministry for women and social welfare for its efforts in the fight against GBV in the state.

Meanwhile, the training is supported by the Women Aid Collective (WACOL).

The Founder, Shoulder for Gender Support and Development, Chioma Okeke, blamed the high rate of rape and sexual assaults on poor parenting.

“As parents, we have focused so much on raising the girl child to build her confidence, competence, and self-worth, making her less vulnerable to abuse. We have neglected instilling proper morals and responsibility in our sons, and now we see the consequences. Many lack self-control. To address this societal problem, the change must begin from the home,” she said.

However, the Programme Manager of GPSDC, Oge Ozoemena, said certain cultural practices and religious interpretations contribute to gender inequality.

“The project seeks to harness cultural and religious platforms to drive positive social change by engaging Christian communities and women leaders,” she said.

(NAN)