By Mubarak Mahmood
Bauchi State House of Assembly has called on the executive arm to establish at least two additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres, SARCs to improve access to medical care, psychosocial support and justice for survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence, SGBV.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by member representing Ningi Constituency, Abubakar Sulaiman during plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Jamilu Umaru Dahiru.
Presenting the motion, Abubakar Sulaiman said the existence of only one Sexual Assault Referral Centre to serve the entire state poses serious challenges, particularly for survivors living in remote communities.
He explained that the centres would provide integrated and survivor services, including confidential medical care, counselling, psychosocial support, forensic examination, documentation and referrals for legal and law enforcement assistance.
The lawmaker noted that timely access to professional care is critical in cases of sexual violence, as delays could affect the health of survivors and compromise the preservation of forensic evidence needed for investigation and prosecution.
Abubakar Sulaiman said Bauchi State had made progress through the domestication of relevant laws on violence and child protection, but stressed that effective implementation depends on the availability of accessible support institutions.
The House urged the Executive government, through the Ministries of Health, Women Affairs, Justice and Humanitarian Affairs to establish as a first phase, at least two additional fully functional Sexual Assault Referral Centres strategically located to ensure that each of the three senatorial districts has at least one centre.
The lawmakers also called for adequate staffing, provision of essential equipment and medicines, sustainable funding, effective referral mechanisms and sustained public sensitisation to ensure survivors can access services without fear of stigma or discrimination.
The House further mandated its Committees on Health, Women Affairs and Justice to engage relevant agencies, conduct a needs assessment and report back within sixty days.