Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), unveiling dedicated toll-free hotlines, a referral directory and a referral protocol to strengthen prevention, reporting and response mechanisms across the state.
Speaking on Tuesday at the unveiling ceremony held alongside the Gender-Based Violence Technical Working Group Coordination Meeting at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Rabi Salisu, described the initiative as a major step towards protecting women, children and other vulnerable groups from abuse and exploitation.
She said the new measures were designed to improve access to support services, ensure prompt reporting of cases and enhance coordination among agencies responsible for assisting survivors.
According to the commissioner, Gender-Based Violence remains one of the most serious social and human rights challenges confronting society, with devastating physical, emotional, psychological and economic consequences for victims, families and communities.
Dr. Salisu explained that the toll-free hotlines would provide survivors and members of the public with accessible channels for reporting incidents and seeking immediate assistance, while the referral directory would link victims to healthcare, legal, psychosocial, security and social welfare services.
She added that the referral protocol establishes clear procedures and responsibilities for service providers, ensuring confidential, timely and survivor-centred responses to cases of abuse.
“The unveiling of these tools demonstrates our collective determination to strengthen the systems that protect the dignity, rights and wellbeing of women, girls, boys and other vulnerable persons across Kaduna State,” she said.
The commissioner noted that the initiative aligns with the administration of Governor Uba Sani, which she said prioritises social inclusion, protection of vulnerable groups and the strengthening of institutions responsible for preventing and responding to violence.
She commended development partners, civil society organisations, security agencies, healthcare providers and members of the Gender-Based Violence Technical Working Group for their support and collaboration, describing their contributions as vital to the success of the initiative.
Salisu urged stakeholders to deepen collaboration through improved data sharing, community sensitisation and sustained survivor-centred interventions, stressing that the effectiveness of the programme would be measured by increased access to services and public confidence in the state’s response mechanisms.
She also called for continued advocacy, capacity building and investment in efforts aimed at eliminating all forms of Gender-Based Violence in the state.
Addressing survivors of abuse, the commissioner assured them of government support, saying Kaduna State remains committed to ensuring access to protection, justice and recovery services.
She announced the dedicated GBV toll-free lines as 08000070070, 07058890117 and 07058890116, urging residents to make use of the channels to report cases and seek help.
Declaring the initiative open, Salisu said the unveiling marked “the beginning of greater accountability and stronger action against Gender-Based Violence,” reiterating that the Uba Sani administration would continue to protect women, children and vulnerable persons.
“A state that is safe for the most vulnerable is safe for everyone,” she said.
