Tina Amanda
International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA Rivers State, has lauded Senate’s passage of the anti-sexual harassment bill in tertiary institutions but says the law should be enforced to ensure justice for victims.
In an interview with our correspondent Tina Amanda, Chairperson of FIDA, Rivers State, Ngozi Ighosevbe, emphasized that when laws are enacted and enforced to logical conclusions, they serve as a deterrent to others who may have intentions to indulge in such crimes.
According to her, in cases of sexual harassment, people are more concerned about saving their images and family names, rather than fighting for justice in the interest of the victim who may be psychologically traumatized.
“As Human Right Association, we are very elated for the Senate to have passed the anti-sexual harassment bill for the tertiary community and we say it is a very commendable and welcome development.
“The main issue is the enforcement of this law, it is time we begin to ensure that proper enforcement measures for these laws are put in place. When perpetrators are prosecuted, made to face the impunity measures whether life imprisonment or fourteen years jail term, it will serve as a deterrent to other students on campus.
“When the society also begins to break the culture of silence, when victims of sexual molestation speak out and are ready to push the matter to its logical conclusion that will help to bring justice.
“The challenges we face most times as human right advocates, when the perpetrators are charged to court and if found guilty, all you get is pressure from every angle, pressures from gatekeepers of our communities, from families of the perpetrators, even from families of the victims.
“Nobody is interested in the victim’s psychological state, it is so worrisome for us as an association. When a child is defiled, instead of the parent or caregiver to fight for justice, they complain of pressure and lack of money to pursue the case, even when they are told that FIDA will stand by them to get justice”
She further said it is important the law is brought to bear and followed to logical conclusions so as to get the culprits convicted to serve as an example to others.
“If perpetrators of sexual harassment are not brought to book, there will be no basis to stand as a deterrent to others who intend to commit such crimes”
