Call to strengthen violence laws

THE country’s laws on gender-based violence (GBV) have to be strengthened to ensure that victims get justice, says National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop.
He mentioned this on Friday during a meeting with stakeholders on GBV.
He said perpetrators must be given the maximum penalties when found guilty to serve as a deterrent to others.
“This is part of the problem when perpetrators are not brought to account for what they have done.
“When this happens, it gives many of them a picture that they can inflict (harm) on someone and get away with it,” Parkop said.
He said there was a need to review and amend existing laws particularly in regard to the referral system.
It is difficult for women and survivors of GBV to get help from appropriate law enforcing agencies.
Counselling, getting medical reports and dealing with the courts are not always easy for victims and usually discourages them, he said.
Parkop said fixing the referral system and making the process easier would go a long way in ensuring more women were helped.