President
of Network of Gender Journalists for Women and Cultural Advancement (NoGJWCA)
has appealed for collective efforts to end all forms of sexual violence and
abuse in Gambian communities.
Addressing
security personnel at Wassu and Basse military camps as part of the 16 days
activism nationwide caravan campaign on gender based violence, Pateh
Baldeh advised communities to report all
cases of sexual violence to the relevant authorities, while urging them to
respect the Children Amendment Act 2016.
He
said anyone found wanting in the violating the Act would be prosecuted
according to law. “The culture of silence on matters of sexual violence must
stop, if we are to become responsible and caring parents,” Mr Bah said.
Fallu
Sowe, national coordinator of Network of Gender Based Violence (NGBV) said the
law surrounding sexual offences will not be comprised, calling on the men and
women in uniform to take the session seriously.
Aminata
LB Ceesay of the police child welfare unit, dilated on some of the constraints
they encounter as officers when it comes to sexual violence, especially from
family members of victims.
Lieutenant
Colonel Sarjo Jarju, Basse military camp commander described the campaign as
relevant to his men and women, saying that they would immediately start to
raise awareness to the people.
