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The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has issued a strong condemnation of a viral video circulating on social media that depicts an adolescent girl subjected to degrading treatment and sexual assault, describing the content as a grave violation of the child’s dignity and statutory protections.
The Ministry confirmed that the footage, which has been widely shared across digital platforms, shows serious human rights violations against the minor and constitutes a criminal offense under multiple Sierra Leonean laws.
The Government has called on members of the public who have viewed the video or possess knowledge of the perpetrators to assist authorities in identifying those responsible to ensure appropriate redress.
Protecting women and children, the Ministry emphasised, is a shared responsibility requiring collective action from families, communities, traditional leaders, service providers, and all levels of government to prevent abuse and create a safe environment for every child, particularly the girl child.
The Ministry has reminded the public that offenders face prosecution under the Sexual Offences Act 2012 as amended in 2019, the Cyber Crime Act 2021, and the Child Rights Act 2025.
These legal instruments criminalise the production, distribution, and circulation of sexually exploitative material involving minors, including through digital and social media platforms. The Ministry warned that sharing such content perpetuates harm against the survivor and exposes offenders to prosecution.
Beyond enforcement, the Ministry is scaling up prevention programs and survivor services while urging parents, guardians, and community leaders to embrace positive parenting and remain vigilant.
Citizens who suspect any violation of a woman’s or child’s rights are encouraged to report immediately to the nearest police station or contact the free 116 Helpline, available on all mobile networks.
The Ministry has urged the public to immediately stop circulating the video to protect the survivor’s dignity and avoid compromising ongoing investigations.
The Sierra Leone Police and relevant law enforcement agencies have been called upon to investigate the matter with urgency and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Ministry reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of all children in Sierra Leone and pledged to continue working with partners across government and civil society to strengthen enforcement of laws against sexual abuse and cyber exploitation, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.
