Dr. Yvan Butera, the State Minister in the Ministry of Health, shared these findings during a discussion with the Parliamentary Committee on Governance and Gender Affairs.
Dr. Butera explained that GBV in Rwanda can be categorized into four key forms: physical violence, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual violence, and economic abuse, which includes denying individuals the resources or opportunities they should have access to.
He emphasized that GBV is often driven by an imbalance of power or resources, the violation of human rights, and a failure to uphold equality. These issues are compounded by other factors, such as poverty, social conflicts, and the widespread abuse of alcohol and drugs.
The rising numbers are backed by data showing an increase in the number of individuals visiting health centers for GBV-related assistance. In 2020/2021, the number of people seeking medical assistance reached 33,800. By the end of 2022, this number had escalated to 42,000, marking an increase by nearly 10,000 victims.
Dr. Butera acknowledged two primary factors for this uptick: an actual rise in the incidence of GBV and the growing awareness campaigns that have encouraged more victims to come forward and seek help. However, he noted that the response is still below the level needed.
“While the numbers are clearly increasing, we must also consider that campaigns have played a role in helping victims come forward. However, we have not yet reached the desired level of response,” he explained.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health show that women are disproportionately affected by GBV, accounting for 84% of the cases, while 15% involve men. Sexual violence remains the most prevalent form of abuse, comprising 47% of cases, though this represents a decline from 52% in 2020. Physical violence, such as hitting and causing bodily harm, accounts for 40%.
Despite the establishment of Isange One Stop Centers to support GBV victims, challenges remain, particularly their reluctance to report their experiences.
“It’s not easy for victims to come forward and disclose their abuse. We still have a long way to go in addressing this issue, making it easier for individuals to speak up, share their experiences, and hold perpetrators accountable,” Dr. Butera said.
Recent data highlights that only a small fraction of victims report their abuse or seek assistance. Among women, 43% have reported their abuse, while 40% of men have done the same. Only 18% of women and 22% of men have confided in someone about their experiences, while 40% of women and 38% of men have never shared their abuse with anyone.
The ongoing reluctance to report cases and engage with legal authorities remains a significant barrier in the effective delivery of support services through Isange One Stop Centers.
“If only four out of ten victims are able to report their abuse and seek help, we have a major challenge as a society. It’s an issue that must be addressed, starting at the family and community level,” Dr. Butera stated.
Regarding the justice system, the 2024/2025 judicial year in Rwanda saw the prosecution of 6,124 cases of child sexual abuse, 906 rape cases, 2,034 cases of domestic violence, and over 10,000 cases of physical violence.
Members of Parliament, including Deogratias Nzamwita, raised concerns about the challenges facing Isange One Stop Center, including a shortage of staff and outdated facilities that hinder service delivery.
MP Sylvie Muyango Mukayiranga highlighted some of the extreme forms of GBV, including female genital mutilation, and questioned whether such practices still occur in Rwanda, urging further investigation into the prevalence of these acts in certain regions.
{{Rising teenage pregnancies}}
Dr. Butera also noted an alarming increase in teenage pregnancies. The percentage of girls aged 15-19 who have become pregnant has risen from 5% in 2020 to 8% currently.
He explained that the highest risks of unexpected pregnancies are among girls with little or no education. Among uneducated girls, 21% have become pregnant, compared to 15% of those who have completed primary school and 4% of those who have completed secondary school.
“This data clearly shows that keeping girls in school and ensuring they complete secondary education significantly reduces the risk of teenage pregnancies. If we achieve this, the rate will drop significantly. This is a critical factor in reducing teenage pregnancies,” Dr. Butera said.
He also highlighted a recent law in Rwanda allowing girls aged 15 and above to access family planning services, which could further contribute to reducing the number of unintended pregnancies.
MP Mvano Nsabimana Etienne called for greater involvement of community health workers in raising awareness and providing information on gender-based violence.
Dr. Butera confirmed that efforts are underway to integrate community health workers into these awareness campaigns to better inform communities about the realities of gender-based violence.
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