Meru: Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood has urged the Interior Ministry and the National Police Service (NPS) to relocate police gender desks from police stations to hospitals to facilitate easier reporting of gender-based violence (GBV) cases. Speaking at a Jukwaa La Usalama Forum in Meru County, Dawood highlighted the reluctance of victims or witnesses to report GBV cases at police stations due to issues such as stigma and fear of victimization.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dawood emphasized that many GBV cases remain unreported, indicating inefficiencies in the current system. He proposed that the NPS should train more officers on GBV issues and station them at hospitals, where victims and witnesses might feel more comfortable reporting incidents without having to visit police stations.
Dawood noted the challenges victims face in reporting to police stations, stressing that their primary concerns are receiving medical treatment and returning to their normal lives. He called for efforts to ensure GBV cases are thoroughly addressed and appropriate punishments applied to deter future occurrences.
Highlighting the increasing incidence of GBV in the country, particularly in Meru County, Dawood called for collective action to tackle the problem. He urged stakeholders to raise awareness about the long-term effects of GBV, noting that victims may endure trauma throughout their lives.