According to Mariyann G. Jabang, Director, Gender equality and children empowerment, the specialised court has already been completed and is awaiting its official inauguration.
She said the establishment of the court was driven in part by concerns over delays in the handling of GBV cases, which she said can discourage survivors from continuing with their cases.
“The GBB specialized court came in to expedite this process so that the survivors of GBB can get redress,”
The new court will operate alongside the existing Children’s Court rather than replace it.
Fatty clarified that the Children’s Court will continue handling children’s cases, including GBV matters involving children, while the specialised GBV Court will focus on gender-based violence cases to ensure specialised attention.
She posited that the objective is to improve the handling of GBV cases and provide survivors with a clearer avenue to pursue justice.
The announcement also highlighted other support mechanisms being put in place for survivors.
Mariyann G Jabang, Director of Gender equality and children empowerment disclosed that the government has established a fund for victims of gender-based violence, particularly those from vulnerable families.
Support can include feeding, clothing, education and other forms of assistance, according to the ministry.
She said a shelter has also been established to provide temporary accommodation and support for women and girls who may need immediate protection.
She said survivors can receive psychological and psychosocial support while at the shelter, with authorities working with relevant partners to provide assistance.
The ministry also highlighted the role of its 1313 and 199 hotlines, which operate as reporting channels for GBV and child protection concerns.
The 1313 line was described as a toll-free, 24-hour channel through which children and members of the public can report violations and seek help.
Officials said when reports are received, authorities work to establish the location and circumstances of the survivor before coordinating an appropriate response.
The ministry said survivors who require emergency assistance can be evacuated to the shelter, where they can receive temporary accommodation and support.
Beyond immediate protection, the Director of Children, Bintou H. Fatty, said the government is also reviewing existing child protection legislation to respond to emerging concerns affecting children.
She disclosed that the Children’s Act of 2005 is currently under review, with the process intended to address child protection concerns that may not adequately be covered under the existing law.
The development of the specialized GBV Court therefore forms part of a broader effort by the government to strengthen the protection system for women, girls and children.
Officials acknowledged that delays in court proceedings have been a concern and said the specialized court is expected to help ensure cases receive the attention required.
At the ministry level, officials said a consultant will be engaged to work on the modalities and harmonization of laws that will guide proceedings within the new court.
