Two togolese officials visited the Rwanda National Police’s anti-gender violence medical wing – Isange One-Stop Centre – from which they sought lessons to help set up a facility of their own in the West African country.

The delegates were on Thursday received by Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr Wilson Rubanzana, the coordinator for Isange One Stop centres and Specialised Medical Programmes, who took them on a tour of various units.

The centre offers medical care to victims of gender-based violence, including psychosocial support, Police and legal support and collection of evidence.

Togo’s Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Women's Empowerment, Stanislas Bileba, commended the centre as a vital tool in fighting violence against women and girls, adding that his country also intends to set up a centre modeled after Isange, to complement national efforts in responding to the challenge.

"This centre makes Rwanda a model in the fight against violence against women and children. There are important lessons from Rwanda’s experience and how it approaches this kind of violence by ensuring that all the needs of victims can be centralised and provided in a holistic manner,” he said.

Caring for victims of GBV

Dr Rubanzana thanked the Togolese officials for taking the initiative to visit Isange, adding that it is important for victims of gender-based violence to receive comprehensive services.

"This centre guarantees their medical and psychosocial wellbeing, helps to avoid stigmatisation and ensures protection and justice. Every country should aspire to have such a centre,” he said.

The specialised complimentary referral centre has been internationally lauded for its exemplary fight against GBV since its inauguration by the First Lady, Mrs Jeannette Kagame, in July 2009.

The centre works closely with police stations, as well as sectors, cell and village leaders, and hospitals and health centers in order to effectively respond to and prevent domestic abuse and gender-based violence.