Government Begins Review of Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Laws

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) has launched a review of Sierra Leone’s Domestic Violence Act of 2007 and the Matrimonial Causes Act to strengthen legal protection for women, children, and vulnerable groups, and align the laws with current realities and international human rights standards.

The process began with the inauguration of a Technical Legislative Committee in Freetown, bringing together government officials, legal experts, development partners, and key institutions to assess the effectiveness of the two laws and propose reforms.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary described the review as a timely step to ensure legislation better responds to challenges facing families and survivors of domestic violence, while safeguarding dignity, security, and rights.

Deputy Director of Gender Affairs, Joseph Bamie Sesay, said the committee will identify legal gaps, examine implementation challenges, and recommend amendments aligned with national priorities and international best practice.

The review builds on recent gender-related reforms, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (2022) and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024), amid ongoing concerns about domestic violence and access to justice for survivors.

Stakeholders agreed on the need for nationwide consultations involving women, families, legal practitioners, civil society, and development partners to ensure an inclusive, evidence-based process.

The Technical Legislative Committee will conduct nationwide consultations before submitting recommendations to guide proposed amendments as part of government’s broader push to strengthen gender equality, human rights, and social protection.