The Ogun State Police Command has strengthened efforts to improve its response to gender-based violence (GBV) following a two-day capacity-building training focused on post-violence care and survivor-centred policing.

The training was organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the APIN Public Health Initiative to equip police officers with the skills required to handle cases professionally while protecting survivors’ rights, safety and dignity.

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According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi, the workshop covered procedures for first responders and officers investigating sexual assault, domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

Declaring the programme open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Adebimpe Obienu, said the training was designed to strengthen security officers’ capacity to provide coordinated, rights-based responses to GBV.

She said the sessions aimed to improve officers’ practical knowledge of survivor-centred care, safe referral procedures and post-violence support while enabling them to fulfil their statutory responsibilities.

The first day of the workshop covered the different forms of gender-based violence, their causes, risk factors and effects on individuals and society.

Participants also received guidance on relevant laws and prosecutors’ expectations during police investigations, with emphasis on proper evidence gathering, documentation and case management.

Officers were trained on responding to incidents at crime scenes and police stations while protecting survivors’ privacy, safety and dignity.

Other areas covered included appropriate interviewing techniques, obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, preserving evidence and avoiding actions that could retraumatise survivors.

The organisers also highlighted the importance of effective referral systems linking police officers with Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), healthcare facilities and social welfare agencies across Ogun State.

The second day focused on practical approaches to post-violence care, including medical treatment, psychological support, legal assistance and safety planning.

Particular attention was given to time-sensitive medical care following sexual violence.

Participants were briefed on the importance of urgent clinical assessment and the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure where medically indicated.

The training also addressed responses to cases involving child survivors, intimate-partner violence, domestic abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, alongside safeguards for individuals considered to be at heightened risk.

Participants reviewed the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, including Section 1, and discussed the responsibilities of police gender units, Family Support Units (FSUs), SARCs and social welfare agencies in managing GBV cases.

Practical exercises enabled officers to apply their learning to survivor disclosures, risk assessments, case documentation and referral procedures.

Discussions also examined gaps in responses to GBV, professional conduct, accountability and ways to manage secondary trauma among officers who handle distressing cases.

The Ogun State Police Command, under Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, said it remained committed to continuous learning and retraining to improve professionalism, align with modern policing standards and strengthen protection for survivors across the state.

The command said the training was expected to improve officers’ ability to handle GBV cases effectively and help ensure survivors received appropriate care and support.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to professional policing and effective service delivery throughout Ogun State.

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The initiative highlights the importance of coordination between law enforcement, healthcare providers and social welfare agencies in responding to gender-based violence, particularly where survivors require urgent medical attention, protection and longer-term support.