Rwanda National Police

Residents of Nyanza Sector in Gisagara District have been urged to break silence and report gender and domestic violence challenges they face or witness as an effective way of dealing with the vices which are still rated high in the country.

The call was made during a community meeting that was also attended by local leaders and police officers.

Residents were challenged to join efforts in fighting GBV and domestic conflicts by providing information on the affected families.

“Entitles including Police and local administration have been at the forefront in raising awareness against GBV and child abuse but the success of this campaign rests in the hands and hearts of you, the public by saying no and reporting involved or affected,” the District Community Liaison Officer, Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Innocent Nshimiyimana, told residents.

AIP Nshimiyimana was accompaned the Nyanza sector executive secretary, Jean Damascene Renzaho. The meeting  drew thousands of residents.

In his address, Renzaho reminded residents that government has put in place various strategies to further combat GBV and domestic violence and appealed for community partnership to ensure that the strategies become a success.

He, however said that child abuse and cases of domestic violence among spouses in the area have gone down due to continuous campaigns.

“The number of those willing to come out and report GBV is increasing but we urge everyone to come out and report any suspected case. The police are ready to help at any time,” he said.

Residents pledged to report anything illegal or suspicious including conflicting families.