Former Miss Sierra Leone, Hawa Turay, also known as Hawawa, has urged the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police to handle domestic violence cases with the seriousness they deserve.

In response to the recent rise in domestic violence incidents affecting women in the country, Hawawa took to Facebook to call on the FSU to improve their approach in dealing with these cases.

She expressed concern about the dismissive responses victims often receive when seeking help, stating, “Family Support Unit (FSU) and The Sierra Leone Police, can you all respectfully refrain from the usual response most victims of domestic violence get when they run to you for help?”

Hawawa highlighted specific statements that she believes should be avoided when addressing victims, including: “This is a marriage and such matters are better settled at home,” “We are not here to separate lovers,” “Are you sure you want this marriage or relationship to end?” and “There is no perfect marriage.” She also pointed out the tendency to warn offenders and ask victims to give them another chance.

She called on the authorities to treat domestic violence cases with the gravity they require, urging thorough investigations and appropriate actions to protect and support victims.