{Officers of Rwanda National Police met with about 120 married couples in Muhanga Anglican Church and tutored them on causes of Gender Based Violence, effects, how it can be avoided and the role of the church in fighting GBV.}
During the meeting, the District Community Liaison Officer Inspector of Police (IP) Angelique Abijuru highlighted that the church is a respected source of information and an enforcer of a “moral code,” so it plays a pivotal role in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
She took the couples through legal instruments against domestic and gender based violence, and child abuse.
Among the laws she highlighted include law N°59/2008 OF 10/09/2008 on Prevention and Punishment of Gender Based Violence.
The article defines GBV as any act that results in a bodily, psychological, sexual and economic harm to somebody just because they are female or male.
“Such acts result in the deprivation of freedom and negative consequences. This violence may be exercised within or outside a home… it is forbidden to use drugs, films, signs, language, and other means with the intention of exercising gender based violence, which we must all fight by reporting affected families,” she said.
With regards to child abuse, IP Abijuru said that, parent, trustee or any other person responsible for a child should protect the latter against any form of violence.
Joseph Hategekimana, who heads the Ruhango parish, said: “We normally teach people how to live right and that God desires that they have a happy life,” he says. “From our general teachings, people know that it is not the will of God for people to be in abusive relationships, to abuse or to suffer in anyway.”
He noted that by ensuring peace and harmony in families and communities, partly fulfils their evangelical scriptures.
He urged the couples to seek God in their relationships and to always find solution for their domestic challenges.
He pledged continued partnership with Rwanda National Police to ensure peaceful communities.
At the end of a one day training, participants agreed to enhance their cooperation with security organs especially through reporting cases of GBV, improve communication between the couples and ensure they go through civil marriage.
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