The Minister of Justice and correctional services, Nelson Ramaotwana has reiterated government’s commitment to implement measures aimed at addressing the scourge Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
He emphasised this during a Walk Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) hosted by Cresta Maun Resort that was aimed at raising awareness, promoting community dialogue, and standing in solidarity with individuals and families affected by this social illness. The walk was held under the theme: Walk in Unity, Speak out Against GBV.
In his key note address, the minister who was the chief walker indicated that government is to complete a full Audit of GBV bail and sentencing patterns, uncovering inconsistencies and dangerous loopholes which they want to close.
According to the minister, the new Bail Act which for the first time tightens the conditions under which bail is granted in GBV-related offences is being implemented. Ramaotwana noted that perpetrators will no longer walk free without strong scrutiny, saying bail is no longer a right in the face of risk, but it must now pass the test of public safety and survivor protection.
The minister further revealed that they are working on stationing legal access officers at shelters and clinics, in an effort of bringing the justice system directly to survivors, not the other way around. He added that they also are strengthening police training on trauma-informed response and victim-sensitive investigation to ensure survivors are treated with dignity from the first re-port.
As a new government, Ramaotwana said their commitment is not only legal but also political, practical, and personal revealing that they also aim to strengthen survivor safety by implementing and monitoring systems for GBV offenders out on bail. This he said include electronic tracking for high-risk individuals and also the launching of emergency safe houses across the country.
The minister emphasized that they will bring justice closer by rolling out mobile GBV legal clinics to serve rural, informal, and underserved areas. He added that they will also launch a GBV re-porting mechanisms that allow survivors to report anonymously, safely, and quickly.
“My Ministry will also review of all custody, divorce, and inheritance laws that have been used to further abuse women during or after separation,” he added.
For his part, the Cresta Maun General Manager, Cornelius Musubia said that by hosting the walking, they reaffirm that ending GBV is a communal responsibility for all adding that the community and all relevant stakeholders should hold hands in the fight against GBV.
He said translating commitment into concrete action, strengthening board lines, and reforming laws will give survivors the life line they deserve. The manager stated that their campaign had two guiding pillars being awareness that ensures that everyone recognises that GBV is preventable in justice not in inevitable fate. Musubia added that the other pillar is to support shelters so that survivors rebuild their lives with confidence.
