By Chizoba Okeke
For children who experience abuse, the consequences can extend far beyond the moment of violence, leaving lasting physical and emotional scars. Against this backdrop, activist Chioma Ifemeludike led a protest to the Anambra State House of Assembly, demanding tougher punishment, including life imprisonment, for perpetrators of grave child abuse and sexual violence.
Ifemeludike expressed concern over reported cases of child abuse and sexual molestation, urging lawmakers to strengthen the implementation of laws dealing with offences against children and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
Addressing the lawmakers, she called for closer collaboration among the legislature, executive and judiciary to improve enforcement and ensure that cases involving abused children receive appropriate attention.
She argued that severe penalties for grave offences against children could serve as a deterrent and reinforce the seriousness of such crimes.
Responding to the protesters, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Mimi Azikiwe, acknowledged the concerns raised, but said the major challenge was not necessarily the absence of legislation.
Azikiwe explained that existing provisions under the Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law already address various forms of abuse, stressing that effective implementation and enforcement remained critical.
She assured the protesters that the Assembly would continue to examine gaps in the application of existing laws and consider measures that would improve outcomes for children affected by abuse.
The Majority Leader of the House, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme, urged the protesters to follow established legislative procedures when seeking the intervention of lawmakers.
Ofodeme disclosed that the Assembly was already reviewing existing laws, including provisions relating to penalties and enforcement, adding that concerns surrounding child abuse would continue to receive legislative attention.
The engagement brought renewed attention to the need for effective enforcement of laws addressing violence against children and stronger institutional responses to cases of abuse across the state.
Chizoba Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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