By Atlantic Reports

CLEEN Foundation has called for a practical action plan to strengthen implementation of Kaduna State’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, warning that legislation alone does not guarantee justice for survivors.

The foundation made the call on Wednesday during a two-day policy dialogue on institutional capacity, compliance and accountability.

Supported by the Norwegian Government through its embassy in Abuja, the meeting brought together government officials, security agencies, judicial authorities, civil society organisations and religious leaders.

Measuring Protection in Practice

CLEEN Foundation Executive Director Peter Maduoma said the law’s effectiveness should be judged by whether survivors could report violence safely and receive timely protection, justice and support.

Represented by Senior Finance and Administration Manager Justina Johnson, he identified weak institutional coordination, limited awareness, inadequate investigation and prosecution, resource constraints and insufficient survivor-centred services as barriers.

He said people reporting sexual violence should not face intimidation, stigma or victim-blaming, while children exposed to abuse needed appropriate protection.

Maduoma also warned about social pressure that discouraged reporting or promoted informal settlements in cases requiring legal accountability.

Awareness and Access to Services

Programme Director Dr Salaudeen Hasheem said the VAPP framework addressed forms of violence extending beyond physical and sexual abuse, including economic and psychological harm.

He cited findings indicating that 17.9 per cent of Kaduna residents had never heard of the law. He also referred to a study reporting that about 38 per cent of women aged 14 to 49 had experienced physical or sexual violence.

The supplied account did not identify the studies’ dates, sample sizes or methods. The figures should therefore remain attributed to the findings presented at the meeting.

Hasheem urged the National Orientation Agency and other stakeholders to strengthen grassroots education on the law and reporting channels.

He also called for an assessment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres, shelters and other support services, alongside improved case tracking and accessible information to help survivors find assistance.

Hasheem raised concerns about reported sexual exploitation by some religious leaders against people seeking counselling or spiritual guidance. The account did not identify specific cases or provide investigation findings.

He urged religious bodies and state authorities to strengthen safeguards and examine allegations through appropriate channels.

Government Calls for Defined Responsibilities

Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development Dr Rabi Salisu, represented by Senior Special Assistant Maryam Muazu, said implementation required coordinated work across government, police, courts, healthcare services and community institutions.

She emphasised safety, dignity, confidentiality and access to medical care, psychosocial support and legal assistance.

Salisu called for an action plan specifying institutional responsibilities, timelines, resources and measurable indicators. Proposed priorities included professional training, enforcement protocols, public awareness, sustainable financing and monitoring.

She welcomed budgetary provisions intended to support implementation, although the account did not disclose their amounts, release status or expenditure.

Justice Institutions and Follow-up

Speaking for civil society organisations, Prof. Hauwa’u Yusuf acknowledged the establishment of a family court and legal practitioners’ contributions to VAPP-related prosecutions.

Representatives of the Attorney-General’s office and the National Orientation Agency also pledged support for stronger institutions and public awareness.

The dialogue is expected to produce recommendations. The supplied account did not announce a final action plan or a deadline for its adoption.

For survivors, progress will depend on whether those recommendations create clear routes to help, timely case handling and accountability when institutions fail to act. Publishing responsibilities and delivery targets would provide a basis for assessing that progress.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.