By Alhaji K. Tarawally

In an interview with AYV newspaper on Wednesday, he said the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied. He noted domestic violence complaints across the country increased from 2% in 2010 to 4.7% in 2011 and 6.8% in 2012; adding that the 2013 total statistics for domestic violence across the country is one thousand and twenty-eight.

He pondered that seven years after the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act of 2007, gender-based violence, especially against women, remains a serious concern in addressing women’s rights. He said there is no effective education or sensitisation on the gender-base issues and the Domestic Violence Act of 2007.

Mr Vandi used the opportunity to urge the Government of Sierra Leone to provide remand homes in all districts, implement diversionary measures for lesser crimes committed by perpetrators and use detention only as a last resort.