Between April and June this year, Sierra Leone recorded 739 Gender Based Violence survivors, 680 sexual and 59 physical.
A Quarterly Report from country’s Rainbo Centre revealed that in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Kono and Kambia, 720 females and 19 males were supported with medical and psychosocial services across 7 Rainbo Centres.
The Report stated that 20,159 (8,404 Male and 10,072 Female) people were reached with awareness-raising messages on GBV, its referral pathways and the Rainbo Center services.
It said the Centre followed up on 24 SGBV cases in court; 17 were charged to magistrate court and 7 cases were directly committed to High Court, with no conviction in the quarter.
It went on to state, 31 teenage survivors tested positive for pregnancy at the time they visited the Centre after the abuse. 1 survivor tested HIV positive and 147 were treated for sexually transmitted Infections (STIs).
Speaking on its upcoming events, the Report said the Center is plaining training on safeguarding and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse.
It said this is an important step to ensure vulnerable groups and key stakeholders are aware of PSEA policies and procedures.
The Centre said it is further conducting gender mainstreaming training at multiple levels (national, district, community) which is crucial for promoting gender equality and ensuring women’s voices are represented in decision-making.
The Centre said it plans to facilitate/organise annual meetings on medico-legal and psychosocial support services which will help improve coordination and ensure survivors can access the care they need; and collaborate with government ministries and partners for joint monitoring visits which will enhance accountability and identify areas for improvement.
