Rise in Gender-Based Violence: Minister Highlights Reforms and Support Services

The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, reported during the weekly government briefing that there appears to be an increase in gender-based violence (GBV) cases in Sierra Leone for the year 2024.

A total of 2,771 cases were documented: 2,744 involved female victims, 27 involved male victims, with 2,607 cases of sexual abuse and 164 cases of physical abuse. Notably concerning were reports of a 2-month-old as the youngest sexual abuse victim and a 9-month-old as the youngest physical abuse victim.

Minister Mahoi attributed the rise in reported cases to recent legal reforms enacted by the government, which have created a safer environment for victims to come forward. She highlighted the availability of the toll-free hotline 116, accessible on all mobile networks, for reporting rape and abuse.

This service connects callers to professional service providers and one-stop support centers that offer medical, legal, and psychosocial assistance.

She remarked on outreach initiatives by the ministry to teach in the simplest possible ways, the laws and how they fit into our communities.

Dr. Mahoi expressed gratitude for the contributions of civil society organizations such as the Rainbow Initiative and other community groups in supporting GBV survivors. She also addressed the ongoing investigation into the case of a missing child at Cottage Hospital, noting that all nurses, staff, and personnel on duty that day have been detained for comprehensive questioning.

She concluded with a strong call for increased national support in the fight against gender-based violence and child abuse.