Fallou Sowe, the national coordinator of the Network Against Gender-Based Violence, revealed that The Gambia has recently recorded 236 cases of gender-based violence, with 65% of these cases involving sexual violence.Sowe noted that over the years, sexual violence cases such as rape, defilement, sexual assault, and harassment have consistently accounted for more than 60% of reported incidents.
“These numbers indicate a rising trend in sexual violence, as confirmed by demographic health surveys,” he said.Regarding a recent case in Farafenni where a rapist was fined D50,000 for assaulting a 13-year-old girl, Sowe expressed concern. “The Sexual Offences Act 2013 stipulates that rape should result in a custodial sentence, not a fine. Depending on the age of the victim and circumstances, the law mandates at least ten years in prison for rape.”
Sowe emphasized that if the victim is under 12 years old, the perpetrator should face life imprisonment. In this case, since the victim was 13, the rapist should have been sentenced to between 10 and 20 years, not merely fined.He urged the government, police, and judiciary to strictly enforce the law to combat sexual violence, especially against women and children. “It’s crucial for communities, authorities, and parents to take these issues seriously and ensure justice is served to protect our children, especially young girls,” Sowe concluded.
