Rwanda National Police

Over 120 members of Community Policing Committees (CPCs) in Nyaruguru District were on February 5 sensitized on prevention, response and management of gender based violence incidences, and the referral systems of the victims.

 Speaking to the crime preventers in Nyagisozi Sector, Inspector of Police (IP) Stanislas Rutayisire, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) of Nyaruguru, noted that drug abuse remains a major cause of gender based violence.

 He noted that by fighting drug abuse they will be tackling GBV from the source.

 “If we are to address this problem, we can not only look at its effects, we need to get to the source of its causes to address it effectively,” IP Rutayisire said.

 He added that, “Effects of GBV can go as far as affecting the development and well being  of  communities. A victim of psychological or physical violence may not be in position to perform effectively or even contribute to the development of their communities. This could as well be the same case to a child who is abused or mistreated.”

 According to Rutayisire, GBV can be effectively addressed if every citizen breaks the silence and report such cases that happen in their communities.

 “Whenever you hear of any family misunderstanding, you should report to the authorities before it erupts into something violent,” he said.

 Onesphore Mugama, an official in charge of welfare in Nyagisozi lauded Police’s decentralized approach of partnering with locals in identifying, fighting and preventing crimes.

 He said that good partnership between residents and security organs has tremendously helped prevent  Domestic and Gender Based Violence and other crimes.

 He petitioned CPCs to put into practice the knowledge gained from the Police in order to better address GBV and other related crimes.

 Thomas Nzabamwita, a CPC member said that such lectures are crucial and that the knowledge acquired will help them to report family conflicts and ensure GBV is effectively addressed.