Mrs Fadekemi Komolafe, a gender advocate and Executive Director, Yoruba Women for Peace Foundation (YOWOPEF), on Monday condemned the rising cases of sexual violence in the South West Zone of the country.

Komolafe, who spoke in Ibadan while inaugurating a committee of the NGO, said sexual violence had become a menace that ought to be tackled by stakeholders.

“Rape is a violation of the human spirit and it takes a multi-faceted approach and communal effort to take those who have been wronged back to their old selves.

“The Yoruba society does not help the victim much because she is usually stigmatised and eventually loses her identity and purpose of living,” she said.

Komolafe, who lamented the acute shortage of medical experts and rehabilitation centres where victims could be counselled after being raped, said: “All these areas -medical, rehabilitation, and counselling are issues which this newly constituted committee would focus attention on.

“Rape is not just a woman issue but a human issue. It is an act grossly under reported and its management is shrouded in misery.

“There is no synergy in efforts of stakeholders in fighting this menace. The victim, victim’s family, community, and law enforcement agencies need to come together to fight this menace.

“To this effect, our NGO, Yoruba Women for Peace Foundation, will intensify efforts on our war against rape throughout this year.

“We shall do this through vigorous sensitisation, and advocacy. We shall involve all stakeholders; law enforcement agency, legislators, parents and students in this war.

“We shall not relent in our efforts until Yoruba women in particular can live and walk around in safety.’’

YOWOPEF was founded in 2001 with a vision to “ build a nobler, more creative, peaceful and united women folk.’’

NAN reports that members of the NGO included representatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Parent Teachers Association, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives as well as market women and school children.

(NAN)