The Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police has commenced a five-day intensive training programme aimed at improving the capacity of officers to respond effectively to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.

The training, which brings together 30 police personnel mainly from the North East and Western Area regions, is focused on strengthening investigative skills and enhancing professional handling of cases including early marriage, domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of sexual violence.

Declaring the training open, Acting Director of Training, ACP Joe Kamanda-Bongay, welcomed participants and conveyed apologies on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, who was unable to attend due to official commitments.

He urged officers to take the training seriously, stressing that continuous capacity building is essential to improving professionalism and service delivery within the police force.

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ACP Kamanda-Bongay also commended the Head of the FSU for his proactive engagement with development partners, non-governmental organisations, and government institutions in securing training opportunities for personnel.

He noted that since assuming office, he has observed several impactful initiatives organised by the Unit through external support, describing the FSU as one of the most strategic departments within the Sierra Leone Police.

Participants are being taken through key legal frameworks, including the Child Rights Act and other laws guiding the protection of women and children in Sierra Leone.

They are also encouraged to remain focused and committed throughout the training period to ensure they gain the knowledge and skills required to handle SGBV cases in line with established procedures and best practices.

Speaking on the objective of the programme, Head of the FSU, Superintendent Mohamed S.Y. Mansaray, said the training is designed to strengthen officers’ competence in managing cases related to sexual violence, domestic abuse, and early marriage.

He disclosed that facilitators from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Ministry of Social Welfare will lead sessions on legal procedures, child protection laws, and inter-agency collaboration.

Superintendent Mansaray praised the Inspector General of Police for his continued support to the Unit, noting that the leadership remains committed to providing the necessary resources to improve services for vulnerable persons.

He added that the training will also cover psychosocial support for survivors, case management techniques, and proper procedures for charging offenders to court.

According to him, similar training initiatives will be extended to rural communities across the country as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the response capacity of FSU personnel nationwide.

The initiative forms part of the Sierra Leone Police’s broader commitment to tackling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and ensuring justice, protection, and safety for all citizens.