Ogun police command strengthens GBV response with training

Police officers at a two-day capacity-building training on post-violence care and survivor-centred approaches for police officers in the state. Photo: Ogun state police command

The Ogun State Police Command has strengthened its response to gender-based violence following a two-day capacity-building training on post-violence care and survivor-centred approaches for police officers in the state.

The training was organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the APIN Public Health Initiative to equip officers with the knowledge and skills required to handle GBV cases professionally while protecting survivors’ rights and dignity.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi, the workshop focused on appropriate procedures for first responders, including officers investigating cases of sexual assault, domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

Declaring the programme open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adebimpe Obienu, said, “The training was designed to strengthen security officers’ capacity to provide coordinated and rights-based responses to GBV.

“The workshop aimed to improve officers’ knowledge and practical skills in survivor-centred care, safe referral procedures and post-violence support while carrying out their statutory responsibilities.”

The first day of the training focused on the different forms of gender-based violence, its causes, risk factors and effects on individuals and society.

Participants also received technical guidance on relevant laws and the expectations of prosecutors during police investigations, with emphasis on the importance of proper evidence gathering and documentation.

Officers were trained on procedures for responding to incidents at crime scenes and police stations, including protecting survivors’ privacy, safety and dignity.

The sessions also covered appropriate interviewing techniques, obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, preserving evidence and avoiding actions that could retraumatise survivors.

The organisers further emphasised the need for effective referral systems linking police officers with Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), healthcare facilities and social welfare agencies across the state.

The second day focused on practical approaches to post-violence care, including medical treatment, psychological support, legal assistance and safety planning.

Particular attention was given to time-sensitive medical care following sexual violence, including urgent clinical assessment and the administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours where indicated.

Participants were also trained on responding to cases involving child survivors, intimate-partner violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and exploitation, as well as safeguarding individuals considered to be at heightened risk.

The training included a review of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, particularly Section 1, alongside discussions on the responsibilities of police gender units, Family Support Units (FSUs), SARCs and social welfare agencies in managing GBV cases.

To reinforce their understanding, officers participated in practical exercises involving survivor disclosures, risk assessments, case documentation and referral procedures.

Discussions also addressed gaps in responses to GBV cases, professional conduct, accountability and strategies for managing secondary trauma among officers handling distressing cases.

The Ogun State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, said it remained committed to continuous learning and retraining to improve professionalism, align with modern policing standards and strengthen protection for survivors across the state.

The command said the training would help improve officers’ ability to handle GBV cases effectively while ensuring that survivors receive appropriate care and support.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to professional policing and effective service delivery throughout Ogun State.