AYV News, December 6, 2024
From January to October 2024, the Rainbo Initiative recorded an alarming 2,339 gender-based violence (GBV) cases across its seven centers in Sierra Leone. Of those, 2,196 cases (94%) were sexual assaults and 143 (6%) involved physical assaults, primarily intimate partner violence. Tragically, 128 victims were infants aged 0 to 5 years, highlighting the gravity of violence against the youngest and most vulnerable.
The data, presented at a two-day conference marking the commencement of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, sheds light on the distribution of cases.
Sexual assaults cases accounted for 94% (2,196 cases), physical assaults, 6% (143 cases).
According to age disaggregation, 0-5 years, 128 cases (5%), 6-10 years, 240 cases (10%) 11-15 years, and 1,017 cases (43%)-the largest group 15-20 years, 805 cases (34%).
Rainbo praised the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police for referring 93% (2,185 cases) of the survivors to Rainbo Centers, while caregivers and community stakeholders accounted for 6% (135 cases).
Only 1% (19 cases) were referred by government ministries, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
Women and girls were overwhelmingly represented among the survivors, with 99% (2,315 cases) being female. Male survivors constituted just 1% (24 cases), all of whom were adolescent boys referred by caregivers or the police.
The data also reveals the educational background of survivors, showing that school-aged children are highly affected, Junior Secondary School: 35% (829 cases) primary school, 26% (599 cases), senior secondary schools 25% (586 cases).
The Freetown Rainbo Center, based at Cottage Hospital, received the highest number of cases-726 (31%) of all cases recorded.
Monthly variations show the highest caseloads in April (256) and May (264), with May accounting for the most sexual assaults (249 cases). The lowest caseloads were observed in March (197) and June (209).
The data underscores the pervasive nature of GBV in Sierra Leone, with children and adolescents bearing the brunt of the crisis.
The conference, organized by SEND SL and partners under the theme “Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in Sierra Leone”, aims raise awareness and mobilize communities, governments, and t organizations to act against GBV.
Officials emphasized the need for stronger prevention strategies, robust survivor support systems, and a collective societal effort to protect the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
As the 16 Days of Activism campaign continues, it calls for urgent reforms and a recommitment to eliminating gender-based violence across Sierra Leone.
