UNIT 4: GENDER AND SOCIETY
Key unit competence:
Be able to analyze specific national, regional and international strategies for the
prevention of and response to gender based violence and child abuse and advocate
their elimination.
Introductory activity 4
Using internet, carry out research on the Rwanda laws on the Prevention and
Punishment of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and find out the offences outlined
in this law which are the most commonly committed in your village? Do you think
the penalties stipulated for breaking this law are adequate? Why do you think
many people commit GBV even with the existence of a law against it?4.1 National commitments on GBV
Learning Activity 4.1
Using internet or reading available books in your library or watching a documentary
film on national commitments on GBV, evaluate what Rwanda has achieved upto now in terms of Gender -Based Violence laws.
4.1.1 Gender Based Violence laws
The most common form of Gender Based Violence (GBV) is when a man and
a woman beat up or abuse each other. Gender Based Violence (GBV) refers to
violence that targets individuals or groups based on their gender or sex. GBV
takes many forms; it can be physical, such as when you slap or push or it can be
psychological, such as when you threaten or humiliate. It can be sexual, (when one
engages in rape, marital rape or touches another person sexually without his or
her consent) or economic (when a person denies the other the opportunity to work,
inherit property or access education). While gender-based violence can affect bothmen and women, women tend to be victims most of the time.
In an effort to prevent and fight GBV, the Government of Rwanda has implemented
laws. The Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda supports gender equality and
guarantees equal rights for women and men. Article 11 of the Constitution asserts
that all Rwandans are born and remain free and equal in rights and duties.
Any form of discrimination, including origin, tribe, clan, color, sex, region, social
origin, religion or faith, opinion, economic status, culture, language, social status,
physical or mental disability or any other form of discrimination is prohibited and
punishable by law. The principle of gender equality is also enshrined in Article 16
of the Constitution, through which the Government has committed to establishing
equity and equality at all levels of society.
Several other national laws also address the issue of gender equity and equality
and GBV in Rwanda. The 1999 Rwanda Inheritance Law grants equal inheritance
rights, including land, to male and female children of civil marriages. In addition, the
2005 Organic Land Law provides for women and men to have equal rights to own
land.
In 2008, Rwanda adopted a law on the Prevention and Punishment of genderbased
violence. The law defines the different crimes related to SGBV (sexual and
gender based violence) and specifies their penalties.
Clearly, Rwanda has laws to protect individuals from GBV. The challenge however,
is to bring about a change in the attitudes that promote GBV. Many people still view
some forms of GBV such as spousal rape, beating of spouses, verbal insults and
denial of property rights, as normal in the family. Such attitudes ought to end and all
people should work towards putting an end to cases of GBV.
4.1.2 Gender Based Violence (GBV) policy and strategic plan
The GBV policy and strategic plan is a legislative framework comprising of laws
that govern conduct in the society. These consist of a set of enforceable rules and
guidelines that can be enforced by Rwanda Investigation Bureau and which compel
or prohibit certain types of behaviour. In addition to laws, the Government of Rwanda
has put in place some policies to work hand in hand with the laws. The policies
express government commitments and priorities that provide the framework for
achieving certain goals. There are two significant policies in regards to GBV. These
are the National Policy against gender-based violence and the National Strategic
Plan for fighting gender-based violence.
a) The National Policy against Gender-Based Violence
This policy seeks to have a GBV-free society in Rwanda through effectively and
efficiently preventing and responding to GBV. The policy aims to eliminate genderbased
violence by focusing on three main areas:
1) Prevention creating an environment where gender-based violence is not
tolerated and reducing the vulnerability of people who are at most risk of
experiencing GBV.
2) Response providing a wide-range of services to victims of gender-based
violence and eliminating impunity for those who commit gender-based
violence.
3) Coordination, monitoring and building evidence – building coordination and
monitoring systems and improving the data available on GBV.
As expressed in the policy, the government regards GBV as a violation of Human
Rights and strongly supports gender equality and empowerment of women. The
GBV policy places a responsibility on every individual to report GBV cases, to
support victims of GBV and not to tolerate GBV in the community. The policy also
recognizes that boys and men can also be victims.
You might have heard some people argue that traditions in Rwanda do not allow
women to inherit property or that husbands have the right to discipline women
by beating them. Such cultural practices and beliefs have promoted GBV in most
African societies.
Effort from several government ministries is required to effectively deal with GBV
issues in the country. The GBV policy, therefore, outlines the roles of various
government ministries in policy implementation. The roles of several other important
agencies are also outlined in the policy. These include:
• The National Women’s Council raises public awareness on laws pertaining
to GBV.
• Gender Monitoring Office acts as a ‘watch dog’, monitors and evaluates
national performance on gender. It also analyses and disseminates national
data on GBV after conducting assessments.
• Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has a Gender Desk to provide
rapid and user friendly services to respond to GBV. RIB also promotes theunderstanding of the GBV Law and maintains statistics of reported cases.
• National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) – works to ensure
prosecution of perpetrators of crime. It has a GBV unit to help in preventing,
prosecuting and punishing GBV-related offences.
b) The National Strategic Plan for Fighting Gender- Based Violence (2011-2017)
The National Strategic Plan for fighting gender-based violence outlines the various
interventions for prevention and response to gender-based violence in Rwanda.
Plans and activities are organized under three broad areas, GBV prevention, GBV
response and coordination, monitoring and building evidence.
I. Gender Based Violence prevention
The strategic plan focuses on two objectives of GBV prevention. They include:
a) To foster a prevention-focused environment where gender-based violence is
not tolerated
b) To identify and support those most at risk in order to prevent gender-basedviolence.
The National Strategic Plan for Fighting GBV outlines several activities designed to
foster a prevention-focused environment. They include the following:
a) Conducting workshops and advocacy campaigns on gender and GBV for
local and religious leaders, law enforcement agencies, families, school;
b) Producing regular policy briefs on GBV and developing training for positive
cultural values related to gender and GBV for students, teachers and other
educational staff;
c) Sensitizing local and religious leaders on positive gender attitudes so that
they can pass these on to community members;
d) Training media representatives on gender and GBV reporting;
e) Establishing and strengthening ‘men and boys for change’ discussion groups
at all levels in the country;
f) Integrating anti-GBV programmes into all government administrative levels.
ls and victims of GBV;
g) Building the capacity of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to promote
positive cultural values that can help to reduce GBV in the community.
II. Gender Based Violence response interventions
The National Strategic Plan for Fighting GBV response intervention is guided by
two broad objectives.
a) Providing comprehensive services to victims of gender-based violence;
b) Improving accountability and eliminating impunity for gender-based violence.
Interventions to provide GBV victims with comprehensive and victim-centered
services include the following:
* Providing One Stop Centres (OSC) for victims of GBV at district hospitals;
* Providing free legal aid to all victims of GBV;
* Providing GBV victim-centred services or facilities in all Rwanda Investigation
Bureau stations;
* Conducting training for professional service providers in the provision of
comprehensive victim-centred care for victims of GBV;
* Conducting awareness campaigns about service provision and access to all
service providers and potential victims of GBV;* Supporting victims of GBV financially, medically, legally and psychologically.
III. Coordination, monitoring and building evidence
This area of focus is intended to ensure that all interventions outlined in the National
Strategic Plan are effectively coordinated and monitored to ensure success. Under
this area, the National Steering Committee (NSC) on GBV has been established.
Some of the major activities include:
a) Collecting data on GBV in the country;
b) Training community committees and other players in data collection and
reporting.
IV. Important structures for fighting GBV in Rwanda
The National Policy against gender-based violence and the National Strategic Plan
for fighting gender-based violence are two significant policy documents in Rwanda
that define how important structures in the fight against GBV operate. These
structures include the coordination mechanism, community structures for GBV and
child protection and One-Stop Centres for GBV and Child Abuse.
V. The coordination mechanism
For effective implementation of the National Policy against gender-based violence,
clear structures are created from the community level to the national level. Belowis a structure of the coordination mechanism from the national to community level.
Source: Republic of Rwanda. (2011). National Strategic Plan for Fighting Against
Gender-Based Violence, 2011-2016
VI. Community structures for GBV
Community-based initiatives to address GBV are an important approach to prevent
and respond to issues relating to GBV. Anti-GBV and Child Protection Committees
exist at the Umudugudu, Cell, Sector and District levels. They are meant to raise
awareness, gather information and coordinate GBV response services for victims.
They also identify vulnerable children and families and provide support services. The
committees address GBV issues and protect children’s rights. Monthly community
gatherings are also used to discuss Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and to make
public any such cases. Neighbors may report instances of violence on behalf of
victims who are unable to report. Rwanda Investigation Bureau also participates in
Umuganda community gatherings and work with Community Policing Committees
and Neighborhood Watch Programmes to address GBV related issues. In addition,
they conduct media and community based awareness campaigns about GBV.
Community-policing committees have been established to respond to GBV at every
Umudugudu. They help to put to an end to culture of silence and encourage people
to approach affected families instead of waiting for victims to report, which they
may not be able to do. Anti-GBV clubs exist in schools to empower the youth in the
fight against gender-based violence. There also exist formal structures at the cell,
sector, district and national levels called Children’s Forums where children are able
to share their experiences related to GBV and child abuse.
a) One-Stop Centres
One-Stop Centres (OSC), launched in 2009, serve as referral centres for victims of
GBV and child abuse. This is where victims of GBV and child abuse receive several
free services such as; medical care, psychosocial and legal support, prosecution of
GBV and Rwanda Investigation Bureau supports in the form of collection of forensic
evidence where necessary. The centres operate a 24-hour phone hotline, as well
as short-term emergency accommodation for victims who are afraid to return homeor need intensive support and time to heal psychologically.
b) Gender Desks
Gender Desks at Rwanda Investigation Bureau stations have trained staff that
sensitize the population about the prevention, response and fight against genderbased
violence. Victims or witnesses of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) may
call the Gender Desk through a toll-free hotline to report cases or seek help. The
Gender Desks investigate gender based violence cases, counsel and assist victims
to access health, legal and psycho-social support services. Rwanda Investigation
Bureau Stations in Rwanda Work closely with health institutions to facilitate access
to medical services for victims of GBV.
Application Activities 4.1
1. Explain the mechanisms used to fight GBV in your community.
2. Assess the role of activities conducted in your community to foster GBV
prevention.
3. Explain the various forms of Gender-Based Violence.
4. Identify gender-based violence laws enforced in Rwanda.
Explain the role of Rwanda Investigation Bureau and community members in
reporting cases of rape, domestic violence and child abuse.
4.2 Regional commitments to Gender Based Violence
Learning Activity 4.2
Using internet or reading available books in your library, conduct a research,
find out and explain the regional commitments in the fight against gender-based
violence.
Rwanda is party to international treaties that require it to provide effective protection
and support for victims of gender-based violence. There are several important
regional commitments to GBV, including the Maputo Protocol (2003), the ICGLR
Protocol (2006) and The Goma Declaration (2008).
4.2.1 The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights of 2003
Also known as the Maputo Protocol, the African Charter on Human and People’s
Rights of 2003
guarantees comprehensive rights to women. This includes the right to take part in
political processes, social and political equality, control of their reproductive health
and to put an end to female genital mutilation (FGM).
4.2.2 The protocol on Prevention and Suppression of Sexual Violence
against Women and Children
The ICGLR Protocol of 2006 provides protection for women and children against
impunity of sexual violence in the Great Lakes region. It has established a legal
framework for prosecuting and punishing perpetrators of crimes of sexual violence
in the region. The member states are required to provide legal, medical, material
and social assistance, including counselling and compensation, to women and
children who are victims of sexual violence.
4.2.3 The Goma Declaration (2008)
Application Activities 4.2
1. Explain the efforts made towards implementing the regional commitments
in the fight against gender-based violence.
2. Do the Rwanda policies and laws on gender-based violence adequately
address the regional commitments and policies?
This requires that member states provide the necessary protection for women and
girls against gender based-violence, as well as assistance, care and support to
GBV victims.
4.3. International commitments on GBV and child abuse
Learning Activity 4.3
Using internet or reading available books in your library, conduct a research and
find out and explain the regional commitments in the fight against gender-based
violence and child abuse.
Rwanda has also ratified several international conventions and implemented legal
and policy frameworks that address the issue of GBV. The following are international
commitments in the fight against gender-based violence and child abuse.
4.3.1 The Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination
against Women (CEDAW)
This was adopted in 1979 by the UN. It aims at eliminating any form of political,
economic, social, cultural and civil discrimination against women. States are required
to enshrine gender equality into their national laws and eliminate customs that
promote superiority of one sex or gender role stereotypes. In addition, states should
establish tribunals and public institutions to protect women against discrimination.
Article 1 of the treaty defines discrimination against women as any distinction,
exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of
impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective
of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights
and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any
other field.
Article 2 requires states to enshrine gender equality into their national laws and
remove all discriminatory provisions in their laws. It also requires them to establish
tribunals and public institutions to guarantee women of effective protection against
discrimination and eliminate all forms of discrimination against women by individuals,
organizations and enterprises.
Article 5 requires states to eliminate prejudices and customs that promote the
idea of the inferiority or the superiority of one sex or stereotyped roles for men and
women.
4.3.2 The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
This affirms that children have a right to be protected from all forms of abuse or
exploitation. States must take measures to provide protection through the standards
it has set for health care, education, legal, civil and social services.
Article 19 of The Convention on the Rights of a Child declares that every child has
a right to be protected from hurt or mistreatment of body or mind. The article states
that:
a) Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and
educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental
violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or
exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal
guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.
b) Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures
for the establishment of social programmes to provide necessary support for
the child and for those who have the care of the child, as well as for other forms
of prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment
and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described heretofore, and,
as appropriate, for judicial involvement.
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of (1995)
This was established to realize gender equality and equal Human Rights for women
and girls in the world. It recognizes that violence against women including rape,
sexual slavery and forced pregnancy, affects the whole society negatively. It directs
states not to use customs, traditions or religious considerations that promote the
discrimination and marginalization of women. States are required to ensure that
women who are subjected to such violence receive justice. The following articles
show the member states’ declarations.
Article 17, conviction that ‘The explicit recognition and reaffirmation of the right
of all women to control all aspects of their health, in particular their own fertility, is
basic to their empowerment’.
Article 29, determination to ‘Prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against
women and girls’.
Other international instruments provide protection for women in situations of armed
conflict. The Rome Statutes (1998) of the International Criminal Court recognizes
rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced sterilization, and
other forms of sexual violence as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR 1325) in 2000
similarly calls on parties involved in armed conflict to put in place special plans to
protect women and girls from SGBV. States must also prosecute those responsible
for SGBV during armed conflicts, war or genocides.
Application Activities 4.3
3. Have you witnessed cases of child mistreatment in the country? Explain
what the government has done to ensure children rights are protected.
4. Assess the efforts of the government and community towards implementing
Article 29 of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995).
5. According to the Rome Statutes (1998) and the UNSCR 1325 (2000),
identify crimes committed against women during the genocide against
the Tutsi in Rwanda.
6. Explain the protective measures outlined in the Rome Statute (1998) and
the UNSCR 1325 (2000) that could have been provided for during and
after the genocide against the Tutsi.
4.4 Role of Rwanda Investigation Bureau and community members
in reporting rape, domestic violence and abuse cases
Learning Activity 4.4
Using internet or reading available books in your library, conduct a research
and explain how Rwanda Investigation Bureau reports on rape and domestic
violence
Generally, Rwanda Investigation Bureau bears a heavy responsibility in fighting
rape, domestic violence and abuse cases. Rwanda Investigation Bureau have the
following duties:
• Thoroughly conducting investigations on all alleged incidents of Gender
Based Violence against women.
• Carrying out investigations in a manner that upholds the rights and needs
of victims of abuse and violence while ensuring that they do not add to the
burden experienced by the victim.
• Protecting all victims of crime.
• Preventing crime as much as possible and enforcing laws.
Rwanda Investigation Bureau officers are guided in their work by the Code of
Conduct for Law Enforcement adopted by the 1979 General Assembly of the United
Nations officials. In line with this code of conduct, while dealing with cases of rape,
domestic violence and abuse, Rwanda Investigation Bureau officers have the
following responsibilities:
• To take steps to ensure safety of the victims,
• To gather and preserve detailed evidence,
• To ensure that any children at the scene of the crime are given appropriate
support/assistance as required, including referrals to appropriate agencies,
• To conduct detailed interviews with all victims and witnesses,
• To interrogate the offender or alleged offender at Rwanda Investigation
Bureau station.
Rwanda Investigation Bureau Gender Desk receives reports, conducts
investigations and recommends arrests and prosecution of perpetrators of Gender
Based Violence. Through the Gender Desk at Rwanda Investigation Bureau
stations, Rwanda Investigation Bureau work to prevent gender-based violence,
provide rapid response to reports of rape and abuse, assist victims to get access to
help and collect information on gender-based violence.
The Judicial Rwanda Investigation Bureau Unit responds to crimes on a daily basis
and the Child and Family Protection Unit of Rwanda Investigation Bureau provides
victims with referral services to specialized care. The Community Policing Unit at
the Gender Desk provides community sensitization on gender-based violence.
A centralized national Rwanda Investigation Bureau hotline directs one to the
appropriate response unit.
Role of the community
The GBV policy places a responsibility on every individual to report GBV cases, to
support victims and not to tolerate GBV in the community. Refusing to assist a GBV
victim or refusing to provide testimony in a case of GBV is regarded as a criminal
offence.
Where victims are unable to report violence to Rwanda Investigation Bureau,
regular public meetings and the Community policing committees at Umudugudu
level provide an avenue for neighbors to report cases of GBV and child abuse.
Application Activities 4.4
The Anti-GBV and Child Protection Committees that exist at the grassroots level in
all districts similarly provide an avenue for gathering information and coordinating
GBV response services for victims at the community level.
1. Assess the role of Rwanda Investigation Bureau and community
members in reporting cases of rape, domestic violence and child abuse
in the country.
2. Identify changes that have occurred since Rwanda Investigation Bureau
and community members have taken up their roles in reporting cases of
abuse.
3. How can Rwanda Investigation Bureau and community members make
reporting of cases of abuse easier for society?
4. Explain why the role of Rwanda Investigation Bureau is critical in the fight
against GBV.
Why would the work of Rwanda Investigation Bureau in the fight against GBV
be weakened without the participation of the community?
4.5 Procedure for reporting rape and domestic violence
Learning Activity 4.5
Using internet or reading available books in your library, find out how and where
to report GBV and child abuse cases. Provide a detailed account of how you
would ensure such cases are reported.
In Rwanda, the different service providers support each other in dealing with GBV
and child abuse cases. In the past, due to reasons such as the culture of silence,
fear of stigmatization and lack of awareness about how to report cases of GBV and
child abuse, many cases went unreported.
If a person happens to be a victim of GBV or witness such violence, there are several
venues available for him or her to seek assistance. In an emergency, someone
may call Rwanda Investigation Bureau hotline number 3512 or use 3677 for the
Prosecutor’s Office. To report cases of military-related violence against women and
girls, someone has to call the free hotline (3945). If Rwanda Investigation Bureau
station is near, someone has to rush and report the crime as fast as possible.
In cases of SGBV and child abuse, someone will be immediately referred to the
nearest hospital or health centre for a medical test and primary medical care. After
examination and tests are completed, Rwanda Investigation Bureau will hand over
the results to the Judiciary officers. There are Gender Desks at Rwanda Investigation
Bureau and Rwanda Defense Force, whose staff are trained in SGBV matters. In
addition, there is an Access to Justice Office (AJO) or Mason d’Accès à la Justice
(MAJ) in each district. One of the three staff in the AJO is specifically in charge
of the fight against GBV. If a victim first reports to a hospital or health centre, the
medical staff will give primary medical care then forward or accompany him or her
to the nearest Rwanda Investigation Bureau station to acquire a requisition form for
medical examination from a Rwanda Investigation Bureau station. Some hospitals
also have a Rwanda Investigation Bureau officer to whom the victims should report
first.
Victims may report to the One-Stop Centres (OSC) where a social worker trained in
basic counselling skills will meet them. The social worker does the following:
• Provides information to victims about their rights and the services available
at the centre
• Opens a confidential file on each victim
• Guides victims to the appropriate service providers
The OSC has a Gender Desk where reports of GBV are made and investigation
and subsequent prosecution of cases of GBV are initiated. If a victim of GBV goes
to paralegals such as the HAGURUKA Association, they will first receive medical
attention and then receive free legal assistance. A legal brief is prepared and
forwarded to the Judiciary.
Rwandan state authorities address domestic violence within the broader context
of Gender-Based Violence. The 2008 Law on Prevention and Punishment of
Gender-Based Violence defines gender-based violence as any act that results in a
bodily, psychological, sexual and economic harm to somebody just because they
are female or male. Such act results in the deprivation of freedom and negative
consequences. This violence may be exercised within or outside households.
The person raped meet a Rwanda Investigation Bureau official at a Rwanda
Investigation Bureau station, closest to either your residence or where the incident
took place. The designated official will take your statement. A person does not need
to be alone, a friend or family member can be with you while you make your statement,
and they can provide support and safety. Where necessary, the investigating officer
will make sure that the victim is examined by a health care worker who will complete
a health report and take any evidence for processing. Rwanda Investigation Bureau
investigates the case and then hand it over to a state lawyer called a prosecutor.
The service is free to the victim and both Rwanda Investigation Bureau official and
the prosecutor will be able to give him or her information about his or her case.
Gender Based Violence is a part of the problem that many victims fail to report their
cases, sometimes, it is simply out of ignorance. In case, the victims of GBV are
minor, they are advised to report to their parents or guardians what kind of violence
they have undergone. Then, the parents or guardians of victims have to report the
case to the local authorities / leaders, or Rwanda Investigation Bureau. Besides,
the victims of GBV are advised to immediately go to the nearest Isange Stop centre
for medical treatment.
In Rwanda, efforts have been made by the authorities to encourage the victims to
report through initiatives such as the Isange One Stop centres where victims are
supported medically, psychologically and offered legal aid. It is necessary to ensure
that all agents that encounter the victims are trained in the fight against GBV; this
includes the medical staff who are likely to be the first people to meet victims.
To push further these efforts, there should be a special focus on combatting the
culture of silence ingrained in the Rwandan society as a whole. One way of doing
this is to continue to encourage victims to speak out and share their experiences.
Victims of domestic violence and rape may be subject to “stigma and discrimination”.
The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion indicates that spousal rape, physical
abuse, denial of property rights, verbal abuse and psychological harassment are
often seen as a “normal” part of family life.
According to the Gender Monitoring Office, the Rwandan government department
tasked with monitoring the delivery of services to victims of Gender-Based Violence,
factors contributing to GBV include poverty, “illegal marriage, parental rejection of
children, and lack of economic independence of women”
Legislation and Implementation
Rwanda’s 2008 Law on Prevention and Punishment of Gender-Based Violence
prescribes a punishment of 10 years to life imprisonment for rape, and 6 months
to 2 years for spousal rape (Rwanda 2008, Arts. 16, 19). The penalty for harassing
one’s spouse is 6 months to 2 years’ imprisonment and for killing one’s spouse is
life imprisonment.
Rwanda has several governmental departments that play a role in combating genderbased
violence. Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion oversees, implements,
monitors and evaluates the National Policy Against Gender-Based Violence. This
Ministry has developed also a National Strategic Plan for fighting Gender-Based
Violence, which includes objectives and cooperation among a variety of multisector
stakeholders including governmental ministries such as the Ministry of Justice,
Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and several others, as well as the Rwanda
National Rwanda Investigation Bureau, local governments, NGOs, the media, and
the private sector.
The Gender Monitoring Office (GMO) is responsible for gender monitoring on a
national level, including the monitoring of GBV. The GMO monitors service providers
such as National Rwanda Investigation Bureau, One-Stop Centres and local NGOs.
The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion notes that in many cases, the Gender
Desks are the first point of contact at Rwanda Investigation Bureau stations,
providing “rapid, victim-oriented and user-friendly services to respond to GBV “
promoting understanding of the law, and maintaining statistics on reported cases
Officers at the Gender Desks have received special training on Gender-Based
Violence
The central Rwanda Investigation Bureau headquarters in Kigali and several
government ministries run hotlines for victims of Gender-Based Violence. The
director of gender and child protection at Rwanda Investigation Bureau noted that
there is a toll-free line “3512” to report cases of GBV. Rwandan authorities have
reportedly established “One-Stop Centres” that provide integrated services to
victims of gender-based violence, including medical care, psycho-social support,
legal support.
The International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Program, which partners
with the Government of Rwanda to provide HIV/AIDS services notes that One-Stop
Centres services also include HIV testing, prophylaxis for HIV and STIs, emergency
contraception and support for reporting incidents to the Rwanda Investigation
Bureau. Some One-Stop Centres provide psychosocial and reintegration support
to victims when they return to their communities.
Schools have also anti-gender-based violence clubs in schools to help educate
students of their rights. There are also gender-based violence committees at the
village or community level which “provide an opportunity to gather information and
coordinate services”
In conclusion, the fight against domestic violence goes hand in hand with promoting
gender equality. In that struggle, it is not only the government’s role to ensure that
we are all free form this type of violence, but it is rather the role of all citizens to feel
concerned and act towards ending it.
Application Activities 4.5
1. Discuss why many cases of GBV went unreported in the past and
identify what is being done to solve the problem.
2. Describe what takes place at police stations, One Stop Centres and
Gender Desks.
3. What is the role played by the GMO in the procedure for reporting rape
and domestic violence?
4.6 Procedure for reporting abuse cases
Learning Activity 4.6
Using internet or reading available books in your library, carry out a research and
identify specific steps that should be taken into consideration in Rwanda while
reporting abuse cases.
“Children /women abuse” is any action (or lack of action) that endangers or harms
a child’s physical, psychological or emotional health and development. Abuse occur
in different ways and includes the following:
Physical abuse is any physical injury to a child /woman that is not accidental, such
as beating, shaking, burns, and biting.
Emotional abuse is emotional injury when the child/woman is not nurtured or
provided with love and security, such as an environment of constant criticism,
belittling and persistent teasing. Sexual abuse, which is any sexual activity between
a child/women including activities such as fondling, exhibitionism, intercourse.
All allegations of abuse should be reported to the civil authorities, and the
organization will comply with the country’s requirements regarding mandatory
All states have a system to receive and respond to reports of suspected abuse.
If someone suspects that a person is being harmed, or has been harmed, he/
she should report the concerns to the appropriate authorities. Reporting possible
suspect abuse can be a very sensitive issue, someone only needs to report suspect
abuse case. She or he is not expected to be an investigator since that is not his/
her job.
If someone suspects possible abuse, there are specific steps she /he must take into
consideration such as:
• Gathering all the information someone can about the suspected incident or
incidents and write it up in factual observations or information.
• Notifying her/his direct administrator local authorities in her/his village
(Umudugudu) of the information she/he have that caused her/him to suspect
abuse or she/he call the mandated reporters hotline RIB on 116.
• Informing the counselor that you believe you have a suspected case of abuse.
Violence against children, young people and women is a fundamental violation of
their rights. Sexual, physical and emotional violence have a devastating impact on
health and happiness and prevent children and youth from contributing to societies
to their full potential.
Children are usually abused by people they know such as parents, neighbors,
teachers, romantic partners or friends. Some girls in Rwanda who are victims of
violence tell someone about it, and the rate is even lower for boys.
In many cases, children and young people do not seek help because they feel
violence is their fault or is not a problem. Many also believe that women should
tolerate violence, especially to keep the family together, and that men should hold
the power in sexual relationships.
Violence causes emotional scars that often last much longer after the
physical scars fade. Violence during childhood can also lead to mental distress,
early pregnancy, sexual risk-taking, and even thoughts of suicide. Urgent action is
needed to respond to the violence inflicted on children and young people.
When children/women are victims of violence, the effects can extend beyond
physical scars. In addition to serious injuries, children who are victims of violence
are also likely to miss or abandon school, or experience psychological distress. In
some cases, this distress can even lead to thoughts of suicide.
All allegations of abuse should be reported to the civil authorities, and the
organization will comply with the country’s requirements regarding mandatory
reporting of abuse, as the law then exists. The organization will fully cooperate with
the investigation of the incident by civil authorities.
Violence, neglect, exploitation and abuse affect children and women in homes,
families, schools, communities and other places where they should feel safe.
To solve these problems, the Government of Rwanda make several important
improvements. Some measures are in place:
Establishment of “One Stop Centres, where victims are report violence, receive
mental health counselling, and access medical service.
Building a workforce of professional social workers and psychologists, legal
experts, Rwanda Investigation Bureau and community volunteers known as “Inshuti
z’umuryango” or friends of family” These Friends of Family help identify, refer and
respond to cases of violence, abuse and neglect in their communities.
Finding loving family homes for children who previously lived in orphanages and
other institutions. Development of the justice for children policy in 2013 and the
justice for children guidance in 2017.
When children are victims of violence, the effects can extend beyond physical
scars. In addition to serious injuries, children who are victims of violence are also
likely to miss or abandon school, or experience psychological distress. In somecases, this distress can even lead to thoughts of suicide. All allegations of abuse