Rwanda National Police

The creation of toll-free lines is meant to ease the communication between police and the public for quick response to wrongdoings like gender based violence and child abuse, and the general population should utilize these tools to overcome to report and criminality.

 While speaking to about 220 women in Murundi Sector of Kayonza District, on October 20, Consolée Uwibambe, the vice mayor in charge of social affairs urged them use these call-free lines to reinforce the fight against GBV and child abuse.

The Rwanda National Police hotline for GBV and child abuse is 3512 and 116 respectively while people can also use 112 for emergency.

The meeting was under the auspice of the ongoing three-month anti-GBV and child abuse awareness campaign launched mid this month.

Uwibambe reminded participants to work hard to develop their families noting that poverty is a contributor to domestic conflicts.

Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Eraste Niyibizi, the District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) of Kayonza enlightened them on the common GBV crimes including like those related to sexual abuse, assault and battery either committed by men or women.

“There are men or women who assault their spouses, neighbor or keep them on the edge tormenting them, hard labour, rape and defilement among others,” AIP Niyibizi said.  

He further explained that children are abused in one way or another; their rights violated adding that there are even communities that treat boys and girls differently.

“We are all equal and should treat one another equally. The wellbeing of a family is a role of both parents but not one person.”

He appealed to them to be an eye for their neighbours and break silence on challenges they face, which he said will contribute to overcoming the vices.