When a victim of gender-based violence (GBV) knows its different types and forms and understands what the law says about it, they are more likely to break the silence. However, the problem hindering justice is getting the victims to speak out before it is too late, and gathering and presenting relevant evidence on time.

The remark was made by Marie-Louise Mukashema, a senior legal aid attorney, during a Twitter space hosted by the Legal Aid Forum, a non-governmental organisation providing legal aid to vulnerable people in Rwanda, on ‘how victims of GBV can acquire justice.’

According to Mukashema, little awareness and a culture of silence are the prime factors why women still suffer from gender-based abuse in Rwanda. Society covers up for offenders even when victims try to speak up in families and neighbourhoods, she said.

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Data from the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion shows that in Rwanda, over the past five years, gender-based and domestic violence has consistently been on the rise. While victims could be both men and women, women remain the most vulnerable and highly targeted victims of GBV.

Eugene Ntaganda, Senior legal and policy expert, at the same Twitter space remarked that this is highly due to the persistent stereotypes and shame around breaking the silence, which is particularly hostile towards women.

Gender-related offenses include trafficking, harassment from a spouse, denial of freedom to practice family planning and soliciting or offering sexual favours, sexual harassment or sexual violence against a spouse, rape, and child defilement, among others.

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Stating legal implications for anyone found guilty of committing the above offenses, Mukashema assured that the current laws in Rwanda were very elaborate and intentional in terms of attributing justice.

More information on what the law stipulates on GBV can be found on the recently launched laws web portal, https://www.amategeko.gov.rw/ .

Ntaganda also highlighted that poverty was an important factor hindering women from accessing justice services. "DNA evidence, for example, could be a bit expensive for some to access. Sometimes the court, Isange One stop centres and others can cover for the victim or direct them to those who can help,” he said.

At the Twitter space, it was noted that justice cannot be achieved without the entire community’s understanding of the problem. "Whether it's deciding to report violence, or going back to society later after justice has been served, one should be supported all the way,” Ntaganda noted. The discussion was part of the ongoing 16 days of activism against GBV worldwide.

The global and annual campaign kicked off on November 25 and runs till December 10. This year, it is under the theme "UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls.”