IGP’s establishment of GBV desks nationwide receives widespread applause

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun’s decision to establish Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desks in all police divisions across Nigeria has been met with widespread acclaim from human rights activists, gender advocates, and civil society organizations.

The initiative is seen as a crucial step toward improving access to justice for GBV survivors and enhancing law enforcement’s response to gender-related crimes.

Among the foremost voices lauding the initiative is Dr. Joe Odumakin, President of Women Arise, who described it as “a welcome development” that aligns with global efforts to eradicate gender-based violence.

She commended the police chief for prioritizing the rights of survivors and addressing long-standing barriers to justice.

“It is a welcome development as it aligns with the policy direction of the United Nations to eradicate gender-based violence around the world,” she stated.

Similarly, Olufunke Baruwa, an international gender and development expert, hailed the IGP’s decision as a “transformative initiative” that would make GBV support more accessible, particularly for victims in rural and underserved areas.

She noted that decentralizing the desks would remove the limitations of the previous system, where GBV desks were only available at zonal and state commands.

“As one of the experts who developed and facilitated the policy to have gender desks in police commands and stations across the country, I can say that this singular move will ensure that GBV prevention and response efforts by the police are closer to the most vulnerable and those at the margins of society who desperately need these services,” Baruwa explained.

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She further emphasized that the presence of GBV desks at all police divisions would encourage more victims to come forward, improve response times, and enhance the effectiveness of investigations, ultimately holding perpetrators accountable.

Echoing Baruwa’s sentiments, Barrister Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo, Founder and Executive Director of the Stop the Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation, said the expansion of GBV desks would significantly improve case management and investigations.

She pointed out that many victims previously faced challenges such as delayed reporting, inadequate support, and insufficient investigations due to the limited number of GBV desks.

“Now, they can easily report cases, receive immediate attention, and access the support they need. This initiative will bridge the gap between survivors and law enforcement, ensuring that justice is within reach,” she added.

Taiwo-Ojo also stressed the importance of training the officers assigned to the GBV desks, a view strongly supported by Baruwa.

“For the appointed GBV desk officers to effectively handle cases, they should be sensitive, empathetic, and professional. These are key skills required for a GBV officer. They must also be well-versed in relevant laws, regulations, and protocols to provide appropriate support to survivors,” Taiwo-Ojo noted.

Baruwa, a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund and erstwhile Program Officer at the Ford Foundation, underscored the need for specialized training for GBV desk officers.

“To ensure proper handling of GBV cases, officers must possess a combination of technical expertise, interpersonal skills, and a survivor-centered approach. They will need training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, psychological first aid, investigative techniques, and adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards,” she said.

Experts also commended the IGP’s decision to integrate GBV desk officers with the Juvenile, Women, and Children (JWC) section, saying it would create a holistic case management system. This integration is expected to ensure that survivors receive not just legal assistance but also medical care, psychological support, and rehabilitation services.