The Child Sexual Abuse Investigative and Interview Protocol, a comprehensive framework designed to improve the delivery of justice for children who have experienced sexual abuse, was introduced by the Lagos State Government.
Lawal Pedro, SAN, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, spoke at the launch in Lagos yesterday and characterized the initiative as a crucial step in defending children’s rights and dignity in the legal system.
Pedro praised collaborators who helped bring the idea to life, such as the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Program and the Cece Yara Foundation.
He underlined that the procedure would enable the accounts of abused children to be handled with gravity and consideration, enabling the facts to be used to inform legal decisions rather than emotion.
“When a child discloses abuse, their words must be taken seriously, which is why this procedure is essential for our kids.
“To ensure that justice is served without further harm, their experiences should be handled with the utmost sensitivity,” Pedro said.
The launch, according to Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, CEO of the Cece Yara Foundation, represented the realization of a vision that was envisioned at the foundation’s founding.
She pointed out that in the past, poor forensic interviewing frequently resulted in victims experiencing secondary trauma and injustices.
Mrs. Bola Tinubu, the founder of the Cece Yara Foundation, referred to the protocol as “a voice for children,” restating that the foundation was established to guarantee that children are heard, safeguarded, and given the justice they are due.
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