The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has raised alarms over the growing number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the country. Mr. Charles Vandi, Deputy Chief Director of the Ministry, disclosed that from January to June 2024, a total of 4,288 cases of GBV and domestic violence were reported nationwide, marking a worrying increase compared to previous years.
Vandi reminded the public that in 2006, Parliament passed an act to address gender-based and domestic violence across the country. The Act defines various forms of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and economic abuse, all of which have detrimental effects on maintaining peace in homes, communities, and the nation as a whole. He noted that domestic violence had surged dramatically, with a 67% increase nationwide at the time of the Act’s implementation.
He further explained that the Ministry, in collaboration with the office of the First Lady, Fatima Bio, launched the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign from 2020 to 2023. This initiative led to a significant decrease in reported cases of GBV and domestic violence. However, at the beginning of 2024, there was a sharp increase in incidents, prompting the Ministry to release a statement on September 4, 2024, expressing deep concern over the escalating numbers.
In a separate interview, Mr. Lansana Tarawally, Operational Officer of the Family Support Unit (FSU), revealed that the Unit reports its findings quarterly. He confirmed that from January to June 2024, 4,288 cases of domestic and gender-based violence were documented nationwide, including instances of child abuse and a notable rise in rape cases. “Over 80% of the complainants are women,” Tarawally said, acknowledging that men often hesitate to report due to societal stigmas and concerns about the well-being of their children.
Tarawally emphasized that the FSU conducts thorough investigations into reported cases to determine whether the violence involves economic, emotional, or other factors. He also stressed the need for increased public awareness and sensitization efforts to reduce the impact of violence in communities. “FSU is in direct contact with all institutional actors on the subject matter,” he added, highlighting the importance of a coordinated response to address this pressing issue.
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the Family Support Unit continue to work towards minimizing gender-based violence and ensuring the protection and welfare of vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone.
