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Caritas Freetown, the development and humanitarian arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Freetown in Sierra Leone, has successfully concluded a training program aimed at equipping a segment of the Sierra Leonean police force with the necessary skills to handle cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Fr. Peter Konteh, highlighted the collaboration between the Catholic Church entity and the Police Family Support Unit (FSU) across 20 different stations. This partnership aimed to expedite SGBV investigations and court referrals, ensuring timely justice for victims.
The training program, conducted in quarterly sessions, focused on psychosocial approaches and case management. Participants gained insights into handling delicate cases such as child abuse and learned about the standard operating procedures of the Sierra Leone police.
In addition to enhancing investigative skills, Caritas Freetown provided stationery to support police investigations into SGBV issues. The initiative is part of a broader project aimed at supporting victims of gender-based violence and preventing further abuse in targeted communities in Sierra Leone.
Funded by Manos Unidas and implemented by the development arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Freetown, the program also included advocacy efforts to raise awareness and promote behavioral change in communities. Community members received training on preventing emotional abuse, while men and boys were engaged in sessions to deepen their understanding of gender-based violence issues.
Despite the program’s successes, challenges such as insufficient funding and delays in police investigations persist. However, Caritas Freetown remains committed to its mission of combating gender-based violence and advocating for the rights of women and girls in Sierra Leone.
