The law enforcement approach employs both the formal legal system and the informal/traditional
system of justice administration. In terms of the justice administration system, various approaches
have been used in the country. These include: legal literacy and awareness about the illegality of
FGM/C, punishing perpetrators, increasing accessibility of law enforcement bodies, accelerating the
legal process whereby the police acts as a prosecutor and investigator at the same time and
establishing circuit courts that move into the rural areas. The introduction of a system known as
“Community Policing” and the establishment of “Women and Child Protection Units” in all
Regional States at grassroots level, contributed much in the prevention and reporting of violence
against women and children. Furthermore, The Federal Supreme Court issued sentencing guideline
in 2010 & revised in 2012 which is the first of its kind so as to ensure and control the correctness
and uniformity of sentencing that cover wide range of crimes including violence against women and
harmful traditional practices.
Measures taken to Prevent Gender Based Violence (GBV)
Awareness creation and mobilization has been held during national events on the social, economic,
physical and psychological impact of gender based violence. Religious leaders have also spoken out
in public against GBV. A National Assessment was conducted at country level to assess the extent
of violence and this has helped in the issuance of programs, strategies and in taking appropriate
measures. Capacity building workshops have also been held to inform judicial bodies concerning
GBV and ensure appropriate measures are taken85. A Special manual was prepared and special team
was set up to follow up the investigation and prosecution of crimes of sexual violence. Special
Prosecutors have been appointed in every prosecution office to deal exclusively with the affairs of
women and children on a ration of 1/4. Victim friendly benches were introduced and pro-bono services
were being provided. In addition, a One Stop Crisis Center for victims is now set up at Ghandi
Hospital, where survivors of sexual violence are provided with physical, psychological and legal
support in one center. The National Action Plan was adopted and National Coordination body
drawn from 19 different offices has been cooperating on all aspects to combat any form of violence
against women. Other measures taken to reduce violence against women include enactment of
protective legislation and a Revised Penal Code has been adopted which contains strong measures in
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Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affair report, pg 13
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