Wife of the transition chairman, Etinan local government area, Mrs Emily Umoh, in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Management Committee (GBVC), has taken sensitisation on gender-based violence to markets and major streets in the council area.

This was because of the rising cases of the challenge in the state.

The chairman’s wife, who led the team, made a stopover at Etinan market, where the team explained to both men and women the danger of sexual abuse and the consequences.

Mrs Umoh also warned against rape, spousal abuse and many other domestic vices.

She advised the people against complicity in the act, adding that “whoever supports or hides any perpetrator will be punished accordingly.”

Chief state counsel at the Ministry of Justice, Eno Jacob, elaborated on the offences such as rape and emphasized the emotional trauma associated with it which often results in maltreatment and abandonment of spouses.

“Sexual harassment, injustice to widows and spouse battering are prohibited in Akwa Ibom State with punishment,” she stressed.

The catchment areas and markets captured during the awareness exercise were Etinan council secretariat, Etinan main market, Etinan Circus by Plaza, Ikot Abasi village market and Ikot Akpabio market (Uruan mkpafi).