Kaduna introduces free GBV helplines, records 399 cases in 6 months

Kaduna State Government has launched toll-free hotlines and strengthened its referral system for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) as part of efforts to improve access to protection and response services across the state.

The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday in Kaduna, also included the presentation of a Gender-Based Violence Referral Directory and Referral Protocol aimed at improving coordination among service providers.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, said the measures reflected the government’s commitment to addressing GBV and ensuring that survivors receive prompt and appropriate support.

Speaking during the unveiling and the meeting of the Gender-Based Violence Technical Working Group (GBV-TWG), Salisu announced three dedicated toll-free lines — 08000070070, 07058890117 and 07058890116 — for reporting abuse and accessing support services.

She said the lines would provide victims and concerned residents with channels to seek information, counselling and referrals without financial barriers.

According to her, the referral directory has been designed to connect survivors with healthcare, psychosocial support, legal assistance, security agencies and social welfare services.

She added that the referral protocol would guide service providers through clearly defined standards and responsibilities to ensure responses remain confidential, survivor-focused and timely.

Salisu described gender-based violence as a persistent social challenge with serious physical, emotional and economic consequences, stressing that stronger collaboration among stakeholders was necessary to tackle the problem.

She said the launch represented more than the introduction of communication channels, noting that it signified the creation of a more coordinated support structure for survivors.

The commissioner reiterated the commitment of Governor Uba Sani’s administration to enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of gender-based violence in the state.

She also called on development partners, civil society groups, security agencies, traditional institutions and religious leaders to intensify awareness campaigns and community engagement.

Presenting a situation report during the meeting, the ministry’s Gender Desk Officer, Ahmad Yahaya, disclosed that 399 GBV cases were recorded between January and June 2026 through ministry offices and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

He said women accounted for the majority of reported cases, with 312 female survivors, while 93 cases involved males.

Yahaya further stated that 252 of the reported cases involved adult women, while 144 affected children.

According to him, psychological and emotional abuse remained the most common form of violence, with 170 reported cases during the period.

He added that the state also recorded 114 rape cases, 70 cases of physical assault and 27 sexual assault incidents.

Other reported cases included five involving denial of resources and opportunities, such as abandonment and neglect, as well as two cases of forced marriage.

On distribution across local government areas, Yahaya said Jema’a recorded the highest number of cases with 105, attributing the figure to the presence of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Kafanchan, which receives referrals from neighbouring councils.

He added that Chikun recorded 66 cases, followed by Kaduna South with 50, Igabi with 45 and Zangon Kataf with 36.

He called for sustained public awareness, improved reporting channels and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to reduce incidents of gender-based violence in the state.