Hundreds of residents in Musanze District gathered in Busogo Sector, yesterday, to listen to messages meant to raise awareness against gender based violence as the recently launched Rwanda National Police (RNP) ‘Isange Mobile Clinic’ started the countrywide tour.

The Isange Mobile Clinic combs the countryside receiving complaints related to GBV, and uses the opportunity to raise awareness against the vice.

During the event, residents expressed gratitude to RNP for bringing them together to discuss issues that affect them and to show them better ways to address them.

Anonciata Niyibizi, a 40-year-old resident of Kabaya Cell in Busogo ,said such discussions enlighten the public on their role in community policing and their rights, especially women and children.

"I always hear about gender based violence on radios. It’s good that today you have explained to us what this means and the consequences associated with it to our families and communities,” Niyibizi said, calling upon residents not to keep silent about GBV crimes.

Gervais Nzangwayimana, another resident, admitted he had scanty knowledge on the true meaning of GBV.

"I always commit marital rape, without knowing that it is an offence,” said Nzangwayimana.

He requested that such meetings be conducted on a regular basis so that other residents can benefit and exchange ideas on dealing with such cases.

Residents also lined up at Isange Mobile Clinic to report injustices they face, to officers in the fully-fledged mobile office van.

According to Inspector of Police Angelique Mukamwezi, from the RNP Gender Desk, at least 20 people, mainly women filed cases at the mobile office van, most related to property disputes and assault.

She said that most cases were channeled to concerned authorities to address them.

Addressing the residents, IP Mukamwezi said, GBV is a "serious security threat that undermines basic human rights.”

She called upon residents to have a shared responsibility in preventing GBV and other crimes by availing quick information about anyone suspected to be involved in the vice.

Edison Tuyubahe, who is in charge of social affairs in Busogo Sector, hailed RNP for being on the forefront to address GBV and empowering the people to take up policing roles.

He asked residents of Busogo to further partner with Police and other concerned authorities to ensure that GBV and other crimes are collectively addressed.

The Isange Mobile Clinic is one of the RNP mobile services meant for quick service delivery in policing.