Bauchi Assembly Advocates for More Sexual Assault Centres

The Bauchi State House of Assembly adopted a motion to establish additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the state to enhance care for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. The motion was presented by Speaker Abubakar Suleiman on a Tuesday.

Currently, Bauchi State has only one SARC located at the Specialist Hospital, which poses significant challenges for survivors, especially in remote areas. Suleiman urged the Executive Arm of the Bauchi State Government to create at least two fully functional SARCs in each senatorial district and called for adequate budgetary provisions and effective implementation by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

He also emphasized the need for public sensitization on the issue. Lawal Dauda, a member representing Sade constituency, highlighted that the rise in sexual assault cases is linked to inadequate punishment for offenders.

The motion followed advocacy efforts by the Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, supported by Plan International, aimed at improving access to medical treatment for survivors.