Lagos seeks psychiatric test for rape, other sexual offenders

Lagos State Government yesterday, raised concerns over increasing cases of rape and other domestic violence issues in the country, saying; “There is a need to subject perpetrators of the crimes to psychiatric test.” Meantime, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, disclosed that cases on rape and other domestic violence now dominate the magistrate courts across the state. Adebule, Commissioners for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef and his counterpart in Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry, WAPA, Mrs. Lola Akande, spoke at the Annual Seminar of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalist, NAWOJ, Lagos State Chapter, themed ‘Ending Domestic Violence: ”A task for all”, held in Ikeja. The deputy governor argued that despite government’s effort to reduce the act across the country, perpetrators have failed to desist from defiling girls, raping and sexually assaulting women and others. Adebule, who was represented by Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, lamented “It is quite unfortunate that despite government’s effort to end the act through constant sensitization and advocacy campaign, the perpetrators have failed to desist from the act. “It is disheartening to note that cases of domestic violence are perpetrated daily. It is an intentional and persistent maltreatment of anyone in the home in a way that causes stress or injury on one person to another. Available statistic showed that women and girl were often abused in the state.” She added that issues of domestic violence were among “the cases that dominated the magistrate court. The continued trend calls for a collaborative effort of all in the society. It is one act that affect all in the society.” Her words, “It is unfortunate that many especially perpetrators in the society claim to be ignorant of the domestic violence law 2007 and other relevant laws provided by the government to protect women and girls in the state. “We must not allow cases of domestic violence to be swept under the carpet. When we all speak out, we will be contributing to end the act within our society.”