English
Kinyarwanda
Two officials from the government of Togo visited the Rwanda National Police (RNP) anti-gender violence medical wing – Isange One-Stop centre – from which they sought lessons to help set up a model of their own in the West African country.
The delegates were on February 12 received by Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Wilson Rubanzana, the coordinator for Isange One Stop Centers and Specialized Medical Programmes, who took them through various units.
The centre offers medical care to victims of gender based violence including; psychosocial support; police and legal support and collection of evidence.
Togo’s Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Women's Empowerment, Stanislas Bileba, commended the centre as the best approach in fighting violence against women and girls, adding that his country also intends to set up a centre modeled after Isange, to complement national efforts in responding to the challenge.
“This centre makes Rwanda a model in the fight against violence committed against women and children. There are important lessons from Rwanda’s experience and how it approaches this kind of violence by ensuring that all the needs of victims can be centralized and provided in a holistic manner,” he said.
In his welcoming remarks, ACP Rubanzana lauded the Togolese officials for taking the initiative to visit Isange, adding that it is paramount for victims of gender based violence all over the world to receive comprehensive services.
“This centre guarantees their medical and psychosocial wellbeing, avoid stigmatization and ensure protection and justice. Every country should aspire to have such a centre,” he said.
The specialized free-of-charge referral center has been internationally lauded for its exemplary fight against GBV since its inauguration by the First Lady, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, in July 2009.
The center works closely with police stations, sectors, cell and village leaders, hospitals and health centers in order to effectively respond to and prevent domestic abuse and gender-based violence.
