Women, children withdraw GBV cases in Mangochi
Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) has expressed concern about the massive withdrawal of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in Mangochi, saying the trend is worrisome and a draw back in the fight against the vice.
CHRR acting programmes manager Michael Kaiyatsa said this last week in Mangochi where the human rights organisation was winding up a two-year project dubbed Strengthening Community Mechanisms to Prevent and Respond to Violence, which was being implemented in all the traditional authorities in the district.
“It is sad to note that survivors withdraw cases against their abusers before they receive assistance from case handlers or determinations from courts,” he said.
Kaiyatsa attributed the withdrawal to poverty, saying the victims fear that the abusers will stop supporting them if they get reprimanded or receive punishment.
Kaiyatsa appealed to community leaders through the community victim support units (CVSUs) which the organisation has established to double efforts that would arrest the vice.
Jalasi CVSU chairperson Al haaj Dickson Mogoya said he will continue intensifying awareness campaigns aimed at preaching against evils of GBV despite the project phasing out.
