By Nasratu Kargbo
The Executive Director of Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), Ibrahim Tommy says the organization will continue to advocate for the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Police because it is underfunded. Addressing journalists in Freetown on Thursday 19 August 2921 he said facilitating access to justice for sexual and gender based violence victims requires a standalone budget for the unit.
Tommy spoke about the significant role of the FSU personnel but said in 2013 they did a report that showed that the FSU received a mere one thousand dollars annually to support its operations, with a 2018 survey showing that the situation had not improved in any significant way, thereby impeding their operations
In a newsletter distributed by CARL, the institution said they are currently working with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), to strengthen the FSU and called on the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) and National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) to facilitate free medical care and supplies for victims.
The report quoted the Inspector General of Police of assuring “the team of Trocaire partners that he is also personally committed to protecting women and girls and that he will ensure a separate budget line is included in the Sierra Leone Police budget for 2022”.
The standalone budget according to the CARL boss will enable the FSU work effectively and be accountable for its own affairs and that if parliament approves the separate budget, FSU’s burden would not be a problem to the Police.
He stated that CARL’s Gender Justice Program is to make sure that victims of sexual and gender based violence have access to justice and free health treatment.
Speaking about free medical facility for victims, Tommy stated that the Sexual Offences Act as amended in 2012 and the Domestic Violence Act 2007 both make provisions for free medical facilities for victims, though he admitted that the provisions have not been respected. In most cases victims are required to pay fees.
Tommy said the only antidote for someone who has been sexually violated is for the individual to access justice, making sure the alleged perpetrator was brought to book.
In a newsletter distributed by CARL, the institution said they are currently working with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), to strengthen the FSU and called on the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) and National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) to facilitate free medical care and supplies for victims.
The report quoted the Inspector General of Police of assuring “the team of Trocaire partners that he is also personally committed to protecting women and girls and that he will ensure a separate budget line is included in the Sierra Leone Police budget for 2022”.
The Project Coordinator Isata Sowa explained that CARL engages service providers such as medical doctors, FSU officers and court personnel in discussing strategies for improved health, justice and other services for victims. She disclosed that according to the data gathered there are many challenges like inadequate staff at centers, poor conditions of service, out of court settlement and delay in reviewing investigation reports.
Another Trocaire funded survey implemented by CARL shows that in Western Urban, Western Rural, Bombali, Kambia and Port Loko districts SGBV cases recorded from April to May 2021 totaled 225.
The research shows that out of the 225 cases monitored “only 7% of them c were charged to court, whilst 93% had not been charged”. “83% are female and 17% male” whilst “94% of the 225 said medical form was issued to them, whilst 6% said no”.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online (20/08/21)
