The Rwanda National Police (RNP) has launched an awareness campaign against gender-based violence in prisons as the force continues to raise awareness against the vice in the country.

The seven-day awareness which started on Monday will be conducted in eight prisons across the country.

The prisons are, Rilima, Muhanga, Huye, Musanze, Nyagatare, Ntsinda, Rusizi and Rubavu.

It is organised by RNP in partnership with the Netherlands Embassy in Rwanda and One UN Rwanda.

While speaking to inmates at Rilima prison in Bugesera District, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Modeste Gasore, said although gender-related crimes have decreased, it remains one of the major crimes committed in communities.

He noted that this is another form of insecurity affecting families.

"Some of you are here because of your criminal acts related to GBV and you lost trust among community but it's not too late. You should redeem yourselves be it here and even when you finish serving your sentences," Gasore told inmates.

"Be it here or outside when you leave, strive to make the wrong right and be agents of anti-GBV and crime prevention; that way, you will prove to the community that you are reformed and regain the public trust."

Inmates were briefed on various anti-GBV initiatives, including Isange One stop Centre which offers free medical, psycho-socio and legal services to victims.

In Muhanga prison, one of the convicts Vedaste Bangamwabo, in his testimony regretted having defiled 16-year old girl in Kamonyi District for which he was handed ten years in prison.

"I feel ashamed of what I did to the young girl and her family," said Bangamwabo.

Another inmate, Christine Nyirabuhinja thanked Police for the message, saying it helps to understand more about GBV.

She was sentenced to 15 years in prison after she was convicted of strangling and dumping her new-born baby.