The Sierra Leone Police has taken steps to improve its handling of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and inheritance-related abuse cases. The police has provided specialized capacity-building training to 40 Family Support Unit investigators from across the country. The training, organized by LAWYERS with support from the United Nations Development Programme through the Spotlight Initiative, aimed to strengthen investigators' ability to conduct professional, evidence-based and survivor-centred investigations.
The one-day training, held at the Buxton Memorial Hall in Freetown, covered key aspects of handling SGBV and inheritance-related abuse cases. These included victim engagement, evidence collection and preservation, interviewing techniques, case preparation and prosecution. Participants also received training on relevant legal frameworks, prosecutorial decision-making, inter-agency collaboration, referral mechanisms, confidentiality and professional accountability.
The training emphasized the need for investigators to protect the dignity, safety and rights of survivors while ensuring that cases are handled with impartiality, professionalism and sensitivity. The sessions were designed to equip investigators with the knowledge and practical skills needed to improve investigative practices, strengthen case management and provide better support to victims throughout the justice process.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, the Head of the Family Support Unit, Superintendent Mohamed S. Y. Mansaray, commended LAWYERS and UNDP for their continued support in strengthening the operational capacity of the Sierra Leone Police. He stressed that continuous professional development is essential to ensuring that FSU investigators discharge their responsibilities with integrity, compassion and professionalism.
Superintendent Mansaray encouraged the participating officers to apply the knowledge and practical skills acquired to improve investigative practices, strengthen case management and provide better support to victims throughout the justice process. He stated that survivors deserve dignity, compassion and professionalism, and that every officer has a duty to uphold the law, protect the vulnerable and ensure that justice is served.
The training comes amid continued concerns over SGBV and other forms of abuse in Sierra Leone, particularly those affecting women, girls and other vulnerable groups. Strengthening the capacity of investigators is considered crucial to improving access to justice, ensuring accountability and addressing weaknesses in the handling of reported cases.
The Sierra Leone Police, through its Family Support Unit Directorate, reaffirmed its commitment to working with development partners and other institutions to strengthen the response to SGBV and ensure that survivors receive appropriate protection and access to justice. The participating officers were urged to uphold confidentiality, impartiality and respect for survivors' rights in carrying out their duties.
Key points
- The training was organized by LAWYERS with support from the United Nations Development Programme through the Spotlight Initiative.
