Child And Women Abuse Rampant In Cross River – Women Affairs Commissioner

By Grace Orok

The Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Stella Odey has acknowledged that violence against women and children are rampant in the State.

Mrs. Odey who barred her mind recently while speaking to our reporter in her office said her position is informed by the number of reports in her office, though she didn’t give any specific figure.

Continuing, she revealed that as a measure to arrest the situation, her Ministry has collaborated with the Human Rights Commission, Federation of Female Lawyers and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

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She said, “My administration does not tolerate any lackadaisical attitude. We strive hard enough to follow a case to the end and make sure it is result oriented”.

Stating that the Child’s Right Act (CRA) which has been passed into law by the State House of Assembly and is being implemented is interwoven with the Family Court which has been closed by the Imoke led administration.

According to her, “NGOs like Child Protection Network are working closely with us. We have set up a multi-sectional technical working group, which is a group coming in from various sectors like the Prisons and Immigration, to see how to implement when we have cases of child abuse and violence against women and children”.

Furthermore, she said: “The Police Force and organized health sector is not left out as cases of violence are first investigated before being taken to the hospital. If the Family Court begins working in earnest, it would only be an added advantage to us”.

As regards the street kids she said efforts are being made to revamp the situation as she calls on Cross Riverians and others to have faith and support the Government.

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