Northern Pulse: CLEEN Foundation Mobilises PCRC To Strengthen Response Against Rising GBV Cases

Mr Salaudeen Hashim, the Programme Director of CLEEN Foundation

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

CLEEN Foundation, has mobilised the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) to strengthen response against rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

At a two-day technical working group on developing a prevention manual on Tuesday in Kaduna, Programme Director of CLEEN Foundation, Mr Salaudeen Hasheem, described GBV as a “weapon in the hands of perpetrators,” warning that reported cases across police divisions have reached a worrisome level.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the workshop, supported by Ford Foundation, brought together the stakeholders to design community-driven strategies aimed at curbing the growing menace.

Hasheem stressed the need to establish preventive infrastructure that enables early detection and intervention before cases escalate into serious crimes within communities.

He said partnering with PCRC is strategic, noting its membership of over 40 million people across Nigeria and the diaspora, giving it strong influence at the grassroots.

He explained that PCRC’s role as a bridge between communities and the police positions it to detect early warning signs, deter abuse and support prevention efforts.

According to him, PCRC members have already committed to appointing GBV focal persons across their units to monitor cases and intervene at early stages.

Hasheem disclosed that a draft GBV curriculum for police officers is ready and awaiting launch after the new Inspector General of Police settles in office.

He said the curriculum, would equip officers with skills to address gaps in case management and improve response to survivors.

The CLEEN Foundation official also highlighted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act as a robust legal framework, but lamented low awareness and poor implementation.

He noted that many gender desk officers in the Nigerian Police lack adequate knowledge of the law, as well as tools such as testing kits, making effective case handling difficult.

Hasheem emphasised that GBV manifests in multiple forms including physical, economic, psychological and sexual violence, as well as harmful cultural and religious practices.

He added that issues such as consent, defilement, rape, workplace harassment, sextortion and divorce-related obligations are widely misunderstood by the public.

The Deputy National Chairman of PCRC, Nigeria and Diaspora, Wada Abubakar, said the committee’s structure spans police divisions, area commands, zones and international chapters.

He stated that PCRC’s statutory role includes sensitising communities on security and social issues, including GBV affecting both women and men.

Abubakar noted that violations such as denial of education, financial deprivation and early marriage remain prevalent in many communities, though gradual progress is being made.

Head of Programme at the Centre for Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence, Bilkis Yusuf, stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration with PCRC.

She said developing of the GBV prevention manual is critical to guiding PCRC members in addressing the issue effectively within communities.

Yusuf noted that all forms of GBV, including sexual, physical, economic and intimate partner violence, are widespread and equally concerning.

She called for a shift in societal attitudes, urging communities to unlearn harmful norms and adopt practices that protect the rights and dignity of all individuals.(NAN)