In the ongoing battle against gender-based violence (GBV) in Arusha, notable challenges have emerged, particularly in the delivery of justice.
Stakeholders are urging the establishment of specialized courts to address these issues, shedding light on impediments in evidence collection despite the presence of gender desks in local police stations.
Economic Abuse Spurs Divorce Cases
Recent reports highlight a concerning trend where women, subjected to economic abuse within marriages, are opting for divorce.
The absence of financial benefits from jointly earned resources prompts some partners to enter new relationships, leaving families in disarray.
Criticism Mounts on Police Investigation Procedures
Human rights advocates in Arusha are voicing concerns not only about community reluctance to report promptly but also about shortcomings in police investigative procedures.
Caroline Mollel, the Legal Officer in the Family Unit of the Center for Legal and Human Rights (LHRC), emphasizes the importance of meticulous evidence collection for a fair judicial process, noting that cases often disintegrate before reaching court due to inadequate police procedures.
Parental Disengagement Fuels Child Abuse
A critical factor contributing to child abuse is the lack of closeness between parents and their children. Children, fearing reprisals and threats, hesitate to report incidents of violence, perpetuating a cycle of abuse.
Corruption's Chokehold on Justice
Odero Charles Odero, Director of CILAO, sheds light on the pervasive influence of corruption, hampering GBV cases at various levels. He staunchly advocates for condemning and rejecting corruption as an integral step toward effectively addressing gender-based violence.
Empowerment Key to Breaking Dependency
Rose Njilo, Director of Mimutie, calls for the establishment of specialized courts by the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Children. She underscores the necessity of economic empowerment to liberate women from dependency, thereby preventing further abuse by exploiting financial vulnerabilities.
Seeking Transparency from Law Enforcement
Efforts to ascertain the extent ofq GBV cases through gender desks face challenges. Seeking clarity, the report approached police commander Justine Masejo, but specifics on the number of reported cases were deferred to the Social Development office.
Government Initiatives and National Policies
Amidst these challenges, national policies aim to safeguard children from abuse, discrimination, and various forms of violence. The National Action Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children (MTAKUWWA) strives to eliminate violence through education, law enforcement, and the creation of safe public environments.
Community Empowerment and Swift Services
Government initiatives include a national parenting education curriculum and guidelines for early childhood development centers. The emphasis is on establishing a coordinated system involving Child Protection Committees and Gender Desks in police stations. The plan stresses the need for swift services for victims of sexual violence, reducing the time taken for assistance after an incident.
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