Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio declared a national emergency over rape and sexual violence in 2019, which led to the creation of tougher sexual offences laws and increased penalties for offenders. However, five years later, survivors like Anita are still struggling to see perpetrators brought to justice. The state of emergency allowed for the allocation of more resources towards tackling sexual violence, and initially, there was a decrease in reported cases. Yet, challenges such as lack of resources for law enforcement personnel and bottlenecks in the legal process hinder the effective prosecution of offenders. The government acknowledges the need for further improvements in the justice system to ensure that survivors like Anita’s daughter receive the justice they deserve.
The story of Anita’s daughter highlights the ongoing battle against sexual violence in Sierra Leone, where survivors continue to face challenges in seeking justice. Despite the initial progress made after the president’s declaration of emergency, more work is needed to address systemic issues and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes. Organizations like The Rainbo Initiative play a crucial role in supporting survivors, but the limited resources and structural challenges faced by law enforcement agencies hinder their efforts. The documentary ‘Behind Closed Doors – Sierra Leone’s Gender-Based Violence Epidemic’ sheds light on the realities faced by survivors and the obstacles in the path to justice. It is important for the government and civil society organizations to work together to strengthen the justice system and provide support to survivors of sexual violence in Sierra Leone.
