The court sentenced him to 2 years’ imprisonment with hard labour. The case has set a precedent on prosecution of those who engage in harmful cultural practices. 227 The Gender Equality Act also criminalizes sexual harassment and if found guilty, the perpetrator shall serve up to five (5) years imprisonment and a fine. At policy level, a National Plan of Action to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Malawi (2014 – 2020) was adopted. The Plan of Action is the blueprint for all actions taken by Government to reduce the prevalence and prevent violence against women. 228 There are one stop centres aimed at assisting victims of GBV. These centres provide counselling, medical and psycho-social needs. There are about 18 one stop centres in major hospitals all over Malawi. In addition, the Malawi Police Service has Police Victim Support Units (PSVUs) within the Community Policing Services Branch. These units provide victims with emergency safety and protection as well as providing initial care and support to victims before being referred to hospitals or any relevant authority. There are also Community Victim Support Units (CVSUs) in rural and remote areas. Victims or friends and relatives of victims of gender based violence can also use the toll free line (116) to report cases. This toll free line is run by the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare (MoGCDSW) in conjunction with a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO). 229 The Table below shows data from Police Victims Support Unit on gender based violence in Malawi in the last few years. Table 16: Gender Based Violence Status 2015-2017 – Source – Malawi Police Service Year Physical Emotional Sexual Economical Total 2015 11000 823 1438 1245 14506 2016 9971 990 1960 1890 14811 2017 8975 7957 944 1488 19364 TOTALS 29946 9770 4342 4623 48681 85