With support from the Ford Foundation, CLEEN Foundation conducted a two-day capacity-building training in Lagos for officers of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) from six southern states – Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Enugu, and Imo. A significant focus was placed on improving the collaboration between the police and community members to create a supportive environment for survivors. Strategies for effective communication and victim support were discussed, highlighting the need for empathy and sensitivity in interactions with survivors. Additionally, the training stressed the importance of community engagement and public awareness campaigns as vital tools in preventing GBV and encouraging reporting.

The training addressed underlying factors driving GBV such as harmful cultural norms, stigma, and weak legal enforcement. It focused on building the capacity of both the police and community leaders to respond swiftly and sensitively to cases of violence.

The PCRC National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan, commended the initiative and pledged to cascade the knowledge to lower-tier structures across the six participating states.

This marks the southern phase of the intervention, with the northern session set to follow soon. Watch our space for an update on the next phase.