With the surge in Gender Based Violence, African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) with support from Urgent Action Fund–Africa (UAF-Africa) has organized a one-day sensitisation programme for police officers in Aba Area Command.
The workshop with the title “Strengthening the operationalization of the Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026,” took place on the 6th August, 2026, at the Aba Area Command Headquarters, Nigeria Police Force, Abia State Command.
The one-day workshop was organised for Police officers serving in the Juvenile, Women and Children (JWC), Human Rights and gender Units of the Nigeria Police Force, Aba Area Command.
The objectives of the workshop were to: enhance knowledge of GBV; strengthen survivor-centred approaches; improve referral pathways and case management; promote coordinated response; and increase awareness of the Abia State Rehabilitation Law, 2026.
In the course of the workshop, CHARS-Africa
with support from UAF-Africa, sensitize them on the Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026 and built their capacity on survivor centred support.
DrumAfricanews reports that the workshop commenced at 10:00 a.m. with the National Anthem, participant introductions, opening remarks by Amaka Biachi Esq., and a pre-test.
From what was observed, there were two sessions in the workshop. The first session focused on the roles of Frontline Responders in the Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026.
Meanwhile, the second session covered Gender Based Violence (GBV) focusing on survivor-centred principles and coordination of referral pathways.
Chuka Okoye in his presentation elaborated on survivor centred approach noting the key principles.
In the area of challenges, complicity of the community leaders and families of survivors were identified as key hindrances in the fight against GBV.
DrumAfricanews reports that it was suggested that sensitisation should be intensified in communities, as the need for a juvenile remand centre in Abia State was also seriously talked about.
Strong recommendations like the institutionalisation of periodic trainings for frontline responders, strengthen police collaboration with other stakeholders and extension of trainings to communities were made.
The key outcomes from the pre and post test showed an improved knowledge of the law; better understanding of survivor-centred policing; increased appreciation of referral pathways; stronger commitment to coordinated GBV response.
The participating officers expressed the need for regular refresher trainings, while Amaka Biachi thanked the participants and encouraged deligent policing under the Rehabilitation Law.
