NCD markets to use policy

 SELECTED markets in the National Capital District will use new policy models and market referral processes this year to deal with any cases of violence against women.

This was made known during a week-long training for police officers and others on the Safer City for Women and Girls programme, organised by the UN Women, NCDC and police.

The market referral process, as part of the police response, has been tried out at Gerehu and Gordon markets. The aim is to provide follow up to parties involved in domestic and sexual violence cases. 

The referral initiated through the police links victims with services in the markets to the NCDC Market Monitoring Unit and to police sections such as the Family Sexual Violence Unit, Sexual Offences Squad and Criminal Investigation Division, plus medical and emergency accommodation and support services. 

According to Kim Eaton, the law and justice consultant for UN Women and one of the trainers, the referral process is a newly developed concept to tackle situations which may arise at the markets, especially involving women and girls.

“It will now be a coordinated effort in reducing and maintaining order within the markets since all the stakeholders will be able to assist a victim properly and identify the proper process the victim should be referred for services to help them.”

Assistant coordinator for the training Snr Insp Sailas Wayagure said: “The effectiveness in maintaining law and order in the markets, the  referral process is a good step, especially with familiarisation and approaches of police conduct within market places.”