A private member bill titled 'A BILL FOR A LAW TO PROVIDE FOR THE RAPE SHIELD AND CIVIL LIABILITY FOR RAPE VICTIMS IN LAGOS STATE' was presented by Hon.Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, member representing Eti-Osa Constituency II at the floor of the Lagos state House of Assembly. The Honorable member who is also the member that introduced the recently signed into law the Prohibition of Smoking in certain places in Lagos State stated that the level of rape incidents in Lagos state has been a source of worry for him, hence his resolve in doing something to protect rape victims in the state.
The lawmaker whose constituency includes the whole of Ikoyi, Obalende, and part of Iru/Victoria Island explained that the Shield part of the bill is to encourage rape victims to come and and also criminalise those who were aware that rape has been carried out but want to settle it in house, most interestingly though is the civil liability part which gives the rape victim power to institute a civil case against the rapist in other to claim damages for the suffering and any medical bills which may arise due to the act of rape.The bill which has scaled first reading is expected to be presented for second reading today.
He explained that the Civil Liability power will not stop or prevent any criminal case which the rapist will have to face.He hopes this bill if signed into law will reduce rape cases across the State.