Doloquee
- Ministry of Gender records a shocking statistic of 585 reported rape cases in just three months.
- The total number of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) incidents reached 765 during the same period, including cases of persistent non-support and domestic violence.
- Female victims accounted for 733 of the reported cases, highlighting the urgent need for increased efforts to address and prevent sexual violence in Liberia.
According to recent records from the Ministry of Gender, the number of reported rape cases in Liberia has reached a deeply concerning level. In the span of just three months, from January to March, a staggering 585 incidents of rape have been documented. This statistic is part of a larger picture of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) cases, which totaled 765 during the same period, encompassing various forms of domestic violence and persistent non-support.
During a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Mamina Carr, the Assistant Gender Minister for Social Protection, shared these distressing figures. She revealed that January accounted for 310 reported cases, followed closely by 309 cases in February. March saw a slightly lower number, with 140 cases of SGBV reported. Among the victims, females accounted for a majority, with 733 reported cases, while males accounted for 34 cases of abuse in various forms.
The most troubling aspect of these statistics is the high prevalence of rape cases, making up 585 of the reported incidents of SGBV. This deeply disturbing trend highlights the urgent need for increased efforts to address and combat sexual violence in Liberia. The remaining cases encompass persistent non-support and other forms of violence, illustrating the multifaceted nature of gender-based violence in the country.
The Ministry of Gender, along with various stakeholders and organizations, is working tirelessly to address this issue and provide support to survivors. Public awareness campaigns, legal measures, and the establishment of safe spaces are among the initiatives aimed at preventing and responding to SGBV. However, these alarming numbers serve as a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in Liberia.
The rise in rape cases and overall SGBV incidents demand a collective response from all sectors of society. It is crucial for community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and citizens to join forces in combating these heinous crimes, supporting survivors, and fostering a culture of respect and gender equality. Only through a united front can Liberia strive towards a future free from the scourge of sexual violence, where every individual feels safe and protected.
