WIMSAL concerned about rape in Sierra Leone

Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has expressed concern and disappointment over the "recent increase in the number of reported rape cases in Sierra Leone". In a press release signed by the WIMSAL Secretary General, Fatima Sesay, the organisation says it is "disheartening" that the Ministry of Gender recorded over 100  cases of rape and other sexual related in May alone, with some of the victims said to be girls under 14 years. WIMSAL referred to this as "a very crucial human rights violation that causes a severe physical and psychological damage that these girls could endure for a lifetime". They said that despite the "bravery of survivors" and the communities who had been reporting the cases there were still challenges in the area of law enforcement. "This is evident by the backlog of rape and sexual related cases in court as we also look forward to a high conviction rate" the release says. They lamented that punishing rapists was not commensurate to the crime committed especially so in consideration of the physical and psychological effect of rape. "We ask that punishment for rape be made stringent in order to halt the spate of increase", the urge. WIMSAL also said that awareness on the issue was still insufficient at societal levels and pledged to endeavour to help raise awareness using the media. They also called on the judiciary to ensure speedy trial of rape and sexual-related cases and private lawyers to come to the aid of rape survivors. "We also urge the Government to provide adequate medical care and support for survivors of rape and sexual related cases, as the Rainbow Centre that largely provides counselling and medical services for survivors is transforming into a local based organization" their release adds, adding that relatives of rape survivors should desist from compromising rape and other sexual-related offences "as it is a human rights violation and has the tendency to destroy the fabric of society". (C) Politico Online 02/07/13