Rwanda National Police

 Local leaders, parents challenged to reignite fight against GBV, child abuse as campaign goes to Western region

 The countrywide campaign against gender based violence (GBV) and child abuse continued in the Western region on April 27 where leaders and parents were challenged to reignite efforts geared towards combating the vices in communities.

 While speaking at the awareness exercise held in Rusizi District, Emmanuel Nsigaye, the vice mayor in charge of Social Affairs, commended Rwanda Police leadership for "solid strategies" to combat and eliminate all forms of GBV.

 Despite these measures, Nsigaye said, there is still a gap in these great course that leaders and parents need to fill for sustainable.

 The campaign brought together local leaders in the district, representatives of the National Council for Women, District Administrative Security Services Organ (DASSO), Community Policing Committees (CPCs) and Rusizi residents.

 He further appealed to area residents maintain harmony and peace in their families and urged parents to be exemplary and set a good line that their children will follow.

 Deputy Commissioner General of Police (DCGP) Stanley Nsabimana said that RNP perceives all forms of GBV and and child as a human rights violation and hindrance to national development, a reason as to why fighting them is among the force's priorities.

 DCGP Nsabimana appealed to the local leaders and the general population to own this awareness and fight against challenges faced by women and children and always share timely information on families or where these issues exist for fast response.

 The Coordinator for Isange One Stop Centers (IOSC), ACP Dr. Wilson Rubanzana explained the free comprehensive services offered by the centre which currently operates in 12 hospitals across the country.

 The holistic services offered to GBV and child abuse victims at the centre include medical support, judicial and legal aid and psychological counselling among others.

 The campaign which started on April 5, is  jointly organized by the Embassy of Netherlands, One UN-Rwanda and RNP  is held under the theme "Fighting GBV and Child abuse a   Responsibility For All."