More than 5 000 GBV cases reported

ELLANIE SMIT WINDHOEKA total of 5 266 gender-based violence cases, involving domestic violence, was reported across the country during the 2020/2021 financial year.This is according to Major-General Joseph Shikongo, deputy inspector general of operations, who was speaking at the launch of the gender-based violence (GBV) action plan awareness campaign in the Ohangwena Region.According to him, Ohangwena is the second highest amongst all regions with reported GBV cases.He added that GBV constitutes crimes in various forms, which are directed against a person based on their gender.These include murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault and crimen injuria.It is the most pervasive yet least visible human rights violation in the world, he said.“GBV is a social issue that cuts across people of all social and economic status in human society. It comes with a high cost, not only to the individual who suffer physical and mental harm, but has a wider societal cost such as lower productivity, reduced economic output and heightened pressure on social and economic development of the country including international agreed development goals,” Shikongo said.Impact on humanityHe said the police have prioritised all GBV-related cases, because of the nature and devastating impact it has on humanity.As a result, the police spearheaded the development of the action plan, which was established to enhance policing efforts to improve responsiveness, expedite investigations and accentuate collaborative and consultative interventions, he said.He added that the most pervasive form of GBV is domestic violence perpetrated by intimate partners.“There is hardly a day passing by without reports of these violent and brutal crime reports received at various police stations countrywide.”Shikongo said it is very disheartening that most GBV-related crimes are not committed in public, which has made it difficult for the police to combat.“We need to join hands to educate our communities on the danger and effects of violent crimes, particularly those targeting intimate partners. I am convinced that it is only when we work together, to eliminate these evil acts, that we can succeed and ensure all people in our communities are living free from violence.”Despite efforts made by the police, various law enforcement and pressure groups to either raise awareness, conduct operations or investigations, the prevalence of GBV and related crimes remain worrisome, Shikongo said.ellanie@namibiansun.com

More than 5 000 GBV cases reported

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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More than 5 000 GBV cases reported

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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