- The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is concerned about the frequency of reported cases of domestic violence across the State. Movement restrictions aimed to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) may be making violence in homes more frequent, more severe and more dangerous.
- Measures announced over recent weeks to tackle Coronavirus (COVID-19) have seen people’s day-to-day life drastically altered. These measures are essential to beat COVID-19. The Government of Ekiti State acknowledges that the Order to stay-at-home can cause anxiety and inconvenience. However, domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation, no matter what stresses caused by the measures.
- The General Public is reminded that the Government of Ekiti State has Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence in any form at any place whether at home or elsewhere. Domestic Violence is a crime in Ekiti State. The Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, 2019 was enacted specifically to ensure that this unacceptable practice could be robustly prosecuted.
- Government has also published a Victims Charter, which affirms the rights of all victims of crime to speedy remedy regardless of gender, economic status or any other attribute. The MOJ is committed to supporting victims who wish to report this crime and to make sure perpetrators are brought to justice. Victims are encouraged to speak out, seek help and to use available legal remedies. The general public is also encouraged to intervene and speak up when they witness violence.
- The MOJ has today established an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser’s Scheme. Advisers under this scheme are persons of repute with vast experience in counseling. The purpose of this scheme is to offer appropriate guidance and advice on how to help keep victims and their children safe from harm from violent partners or family.
- The MOJ is also reviewing the applicability of the Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) within the framework of the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, 2019. Under this initiative, the MOJ will work with the Police to prevent the perpetrator from contacting the victim or returning to their home for up to 30 days. DVPO is designed to help victims who may otherwise have had to flee their homes giving them space and time to access support and consider their options.
- For anyone who feels they are at risk of abuse, it is important to remember that there is help and support available. Government has ensured that the support services provided by the Directorate of Citizens Rights in the Ministry of Justice and the Office of Public Defender remain open during this challenging time. Government treats services for women who experience violence as “essential services” within the provisions of the Ekiti State Coronavirus Disease (Prevention of Infection) Regulations, 2020.
- The MOJ has also strengthened its helplines, including, online counseling and technology-based solutions such as SMS and other online tools.
Contact: E.S Atane Esq.
Ministry of Justice Domestic Violence Helpline: 08067577657
Email: [email protected]
Signed
Olawale Fapohunda
Honorable Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice.
Ekiti State.
