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The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the investigation and prosecution of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.
The engagement, held at the DPP’s office, brought together representatives from both institutions to review ongoing investigations, advisory cases, and emerging challenges in handling SGBV matters. The meeting aimed to enhance coordinated responses through information sharing, strategic planning, and improved inter-agency cooperation.
Key issues discussed included feedback mechanisms on referred cases, emerging SGBV trends, investigative procedures, age assessment challenges, victim support, juvenile justice concerns, and broader inter-agency collaboration. Particular emphasis was placed on the DPP’s role in providing timely feedback to ensure continuity, accountability, and effective case management.
Participants expressed concern over an alarming trend recorded in 2025, in which a significant number of sexual offences were reportedly committed by minors. This development highlighted the urgent need for specialised handling of juvenile-related cases and exposed gaps within existing juvenile court structures.
The meeting also addressed challenges surrounding accurate age determination in SGBV cases. Plans were announced to engage medical professionals from institutions including the Aberdeen Women’s Centre and the Age Assessment Secretariat at Connaught Hospital to strengthen age verification procedures.
Another key concern raised was the increasing number of victims who discontinue cases, a situation that continues to hinder prosecution efforts. Both institutions agreed on the need to strengthen victim support mechanisms to encourage sustained participation and improve case outcomes.
The meeting concluded with commitments to:
- Establish clear timelines for feedback on referred cases;
- Develop specialised training programmes for handling cases involving minors;
- Schedule follow-up engagements with relevant ministries and stakeholders;
- Engage medical professionals to enhance age assessment procedures; and
- Strengthen victim support initiatives to reduce case discontinuation.
Both the DPP and the FSU pledged sustained collaboration and continuous dialogue to improve the investigation and prosecution of SGBV cases nationwide.
