By Muhammad Jamil Abubakar
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is collaborating with the Gombe State Government to establish a Sexual Abuse Reference Centre (SARC) at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, aimed at strengthening the state’s response to sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection cases.
Speaking during an inspection of the facility, Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, said the centre would serve as a dedicated space for survivors of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and violence against children to receive emergency treatment, psychosocial support, and legal assistance.
Dr. Rafique emphasized that the establishment of SARC is crucial, given the increasing reports of GBV and child abuse in Gombe State.
“Every child and woman has the right to be safe, healthy, and protected. Survivors need a comprehensive healing process, and it requires coordinated support across sectors, particularly from social welfare agencies and the Ministry of Women Affairs,” she said.
In Gombe State, like many parts of Nigeria, cases of GBV and child abuse remain underreported, often due to stigma, lack of access to services, and limited public awareness.
UNICEF has consistently advocated for stronger protection systems to ensure survivors are supported and perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Gombe State Specialist Hospital has provided the space for the centre, while UNICEF will support its establishment through technical assistance, equipment, and staff training. The centre is expected to become fully operational by May 2025.
Dr. Rafique noted that community awareness campaigns would be intensified to ensure all cases of GBV and child abuse are promptly referred to the centre for immediate intervention.
The Medical Director of the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Sambo Dawa, said the centre would offer integrated services, involving medical care, legal support, and security services.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among health workers, security agencies, legal practitioners, social welfare officers, and traditional leaders to ensure survivors receive full protection and justice.
“In this centre, survivors will not only receive clinical care but also be supported through the legal process to hold perpetrators accountable,” Dr. Dawa said.
“Psycho-social support and economic empowerment initiatives will also be provided to help survivors reintegrate into society.”
The centre will also serve as a training hub for healthcare workers, equipping them with the necessary skills to manage survivors sensitively, preserve forensic evidence, and support legal proceedings.
Officials from UNICEF, the Gombe State Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Police Command also visited other relevant institutions to strengthen partnerships on child protection and GBV response.
UNICEF urged the media and community leaders to play an active role in raising awareness against all forms of violence, stressing that abuse of women and children is a fundamental violation of human rights.
