On the role of forensics in solving SGBV, Centre Director, Lagos State DNA and Forensic Center, Dr Richard Somiari, revealed that forensic evidence is most useful in ‘stranger cases’ (where the identity of the rapist is unknown to the survivor), serial cases, cases where the suspect is denying, violent cases and cases where the victim is unable to express themselves either due to age, disability or mental incapacity.
“To improve SGBV response, we must standardise education, equipment, resources and training for responders, establish a dedicated Lagos State Crime Scene Investigation Unit (LA-CSI) and enact laws that will allow the collection of DNA for entry into the Lagos State offender DNA database,” he said.