{Gakenke District has rolled out a campaign to sensitise communities on fighting and preventing domestic conflicts, one of the issues that are still common in the district.}
While speaking to the residents of Muzo Sector recently, the mayor of Gakenke, Déogratias Nzamwita emphasized the need for the people to actively work with police and local authorities by providing information on conflict-ridden households to provide a platform for quick response.
While noting that most domestic conflicts are related to gender and directed or affecting children, the mayor warned over consumption of illicit brew and other illicit drugs, which he said are the major igniters of this violence.
“A man or woman, who tortures a spouse, is setting a bad precedent to the children. Misunderstandings between parents are among the reasons why children run away from their homes or indulge in other unlawful acts like abusing drugs and stealing because they lack parental guidance and proper upbringing,” Nzamwita said.
He urged them to always tighten their night patrols, always meet as a community and discuss how better to promote the rights of women and children.
“Domestic violence has economies cost due to wastage of time, medical care and leads to low family productivity. Ring the bell; if you are the neighbour of a family experiencing domestic violence, make that call. If you suspect your friend, neighbor or family member of suffering from domestic violence, break the silence,” he said.
The District Police Commander, Supt. Gaston Karagire appealed to the residents to utilize the available police communication facilities, either to report cases of domestic and gender based violence and child abuse, and other illegal or criminal acts.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) intensified its operations, partly through provision of emergency hotlines and other contacts to ensure quick response and 24/7 alertness.
The force currently has nine toll-free lines on top of other communication channels like phone contacts, online reporting system and social media, which provide platforms for information flow feedback and spontaneous responses.
The RNP emergency contacts are; 3512 for Anti-GBV; 3029 for Isange One Stop Centre; 116 Child-Help-Line; 112 emergency; 111 for Fire and Rescue Brigade; 113 ( Road Traffic Issues); 110 Marine; 997 for Anti-Corruption; and 3511 (complaint against police officer).
He outlined physical and psychological torture and denial of one’s legal rights including on property as some of the conflicts in families.
Knowing the signs, quick information exchange and neighbourhood watch, Supt. Karagire said will effectively facilitate to identify the affected families and responding to their differences as quick as possible before they turn violent.
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