The Zone 5 police command has urged victims of gender-based violence to speak out when abused to get early help from concerned authorities.

The assistant inspector-general of police in charge of the zone, Monday Agbonika, delivered the charge at the start of a two-day capacity-building programme for officers on gender-based violence response on Wednesday in Benin, according to a statement on Thursday.

The Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee organised the event with Zone 5 headquarters, Benin, and support from the International Organisation for Migration.

The zone comprises Edo and Delta.

Mr Agbonika said survivors of GBV needed to speak out to guarantee their immediate protection and safety. According to him, this is because officers are tasked with securing the survivor’s safety, halting ongoing violence, and separating the victim from the perpetrator.

“This is a targeted training programme expected to reshape how you as officers understand and respond to GBV cases.

“Your responsibilities in GBV cases extend far beyond simply logging complaints. Officers serve as primary frontline responders tasked with securing medical care, coordinating with Sexual Assault Referral Centres, issuing protection orders, and ensuring offenders are brought to justice,” he said.

He therefore urged participants to stay focused, assuring them that the knowledge and practical skills gained during the programme would be put into practice whenever necessary.

The AIG expressed appreciation to both the ACJMC and IOM for the training, noting that the engagement demonstrated the organisations’ readiness to strengthen collaboration and sustain a strong partnership in the fight against GBV.

He also appreciated the ACJMC and IOM for their continued cooperation and collaborative engagements aimed at promoting safety, professionalism and effective policing in handling GBV cases.

(NAN)