In a press release on August 19, 2024, the popular civil society group 50/50 Group Sierra Leone called on the government to take immediate action against perpetrators of gender-based violence in homes.

Reminiscing the death of Sia Kamara and the removal of Monica Yenni Galiwa from her matrimonial home by the police due to gender-based violence, the Group expressed their concerns about the recent accounts of domestic violence incidents in the country that have gained national attention, it is important to stress that domestic violence is not a new phenomenon in Sierra Leone.

They went on to cite how Sierra Leone saw gender-based violence and the need to address it.

“In 2022, according to Afrobarometer data, Sierra Leoneans saw gender-based violence as the most critical issue affecting women that the government and Sierra Leone must address,” they stated.

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The Group whilst expressing their condolences to the family and friends of late Sia called on the need for robust and effective measures against these tragedies to protect women and children from violence in their own homes.

They went on to note past steps they took in 2019 that helped in igniting President Bio’s declaration of rape a national emergency and parliament passed an amended Sexual Offences Act with harsher penalties for rape and violence against women more generally.

Though the Group shed appraisal on legal reform they also called for more as they claimed the country needs a national conversation on violence against women on how to encourage women suffering from abuse to come forward, and providing safe spaces for women who want to leave abusive situations.

“We need to address deep-rooted misogyny, rape culture, and social norms that continue to create a climate where women are battered and abused with impunity,” they stated.

They further called on the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs to take immediate action by mobilizing all available resources to protect women facing domestic violence, ensuring that shelters, legal aid, and counseling services are accessible to those in need.

They also asked the Ministry to intensify its efforts to raise awareness about the signs of domestic abuse and the support systems available, including institutions such as the Family Support Unit and Legal Aid Board and organizations like LAWYERS, Rainbo, and Advocaid that advocate for women in need.

At some point in the release the 50/50 Group called on the Sierra Leone Police to respond promptly and decisively to domestic violence cases as delays in action not only endanger the lives of victims but also contribute to the cycle of abuse.

They cited how at some point delays have led victims to return to their oppressors or suffer in silence, afraid to seek help.

They asked the Police to prioritize the safety and well-being of victims by ensuring swift and thorough investigations and holding perpetrators accountable.

The Group said, “Violence against women, including domestic violence, is a grave violation of human rights and must not be tolerated in any form. This includes violence against women running for office, as we note the continued complaints of one of the women competing in the Chieftaincy elections in the ongoing saga in Kono District.”