NGO decries students raping teachers in Ogun

....says cases of incest in Osun disturbing

A non-governmental organisation, Centre For Women's Health And Information (CEWHIN) has described the high rate of students abuse/rape of teachers through deployment of charms in Ogun State.

CEWHIN, which noted that the urgly incident constitute major societal problem in the State, disclosed that the rate of incest in Osun state is worrying and required quick attention.

The group also urged religion and community leaders to expose the menace with a view to checking it occurance rather than covering it up.

A Director with the Organisation, Mrs Atinuke Odukoya, stated during the Close Out/ Accountability Forum on Strengthening Access To Community Based Psychosocial Support System For Survivors of Violence Against Women and Girls, sponsored by Ford Foundation, held at NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo. 

She urged leaders of thought, particularly religion and community head to embark on enlightenment campaign against the social menace, being custodian of culture and religious ethos.

She also disclosed that the groups work which covers Osun, Ogun and Oyo states revealed that students abuse/rape of teachers through deployment of charms is trending in Ogun state and constitute major societal problem.

According to her, the study in Oyo state showed that spate of gender based violence is very high and the group embarked on training of Community Psychosocial First Aiders (PFA's) who were first responders to victims of sexual abuse.

"Issues of incest is on the high in Osun and it is very disturbing, stakeholders need to collaborate to check the menace. In Ogun issues of students raping/abusing teachers sexually is the major concern for the people, while in Oyo it is gender based violence is a major concern. Religious leaders need to speak out against the abnormal trend, there is need for them to understand they were the custodian of our culture. 

"On our side, through the help of Ford Foundation, we have trained over 240 people including religious groups as Community Psychosocial First Aiders (PFA's) who were first responders to victims of sexual abuse have been trained in the three state on how to help the victims and put a stop to it. 

"The issue of sexual abuse whether in the community or place of worship is a lot and It is very disturbing. Everybody is trying to cover it for some reason. It is a lot. 

"There is need for massive awareness for prevention purposes. It is better for us not to have children that are raped or defiled. One of the core purposes of this programme is for us to get people that can help victims with mental health support. 

"We want them to have access to Psychosocial First Aid who can point them discreetly to a psychologist or psychotherapist so that they can have the trauma support that is required. 

"We need to put a stop to the 'third party embarrassment and shame'. People need to know that they have to speak up. Some people keep silent because they felt that reporting will break the home offenders", she added.