Basita Michael: Prioritize Action on Alarming Crimes Against Women, Children

Basita Michael: Prioritize Action on Alarming Crimes Against Women, Children

Basita Michael, a distinguished legal professional, has issued a formal call to action regarding the escalating frequency of crimes targeting women and children in Sierra Leone. Her advocacy emphasizes a critical need for the realignment of national political priorities to effectively combat this societal crisis.

Drawing upon the 2025 Sierra Leone Police Crime Report, Michael highlighted that of the 34,066 documented criminal incidents nationwide, 15,188 cases—approximately 44.6%—involved offenses against women and children. Most notably, the data includes 1,946 reported instances of sexual penetration involving minors.

The report indicates a significant disparity in judicial outcomes: only 133 cases have been formally charged, while 138 were referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Additionally, 83 cases remain under review, and a substantial 1,587 cases continue to be listed as active investigations.

While Michael acknowledged the procedural complexities and time-intensive nature of criminal investigations, she asserted that the magnitude of these figures necessitates immediate and concerted national attention.

“These statistics represent more than mere data points,” Michael stated. She underscored that these figures reflect systemic trauma affecting families and communities, representing a crisis that demands a level of urgency often absent from the current national discourse.

Michael challenged the efficacy of the current legal response, questioning the low rate of prosecution and the volume of pending investigations. She further urged a re-evaluation of national priorities to ensure they reflect the lived realities of a society where nearly half of reported crimes impact its most vulnerable members.

Referencing the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2019 and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022, Michael noted that legislative frameworks are insufficient without robust, effective implementation and enforcement.

In her concluding remarks, Michael called for a strengthened national commitment and a strategic allocation of resources to ensure the protection and justice for women and children across Sierra Leone.