Gender-based violence is an umbrella term for any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will, and that is based on socially ascribed (gender) differences between males and females. It includes acts that inflict physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion, and other deprivations of liberty. These acts can occur in public or in private.

Somaliland most common GBV crimes occurred are rape, attempt rape, and unnatural rape. 125 cases prosecuted in 2020. There were three cases rape with murder, the situation become worsened.

There are a number of efforts made by GBV relevant institution, supported by the UNDP, particularly Office of Attorney General established specialized prosecutors for GBV crimes across 6 regions. Health centers are formed in three regions combined with medical provisions, a psychologist and a social worker and police detectives which provides immediate medical attention for survivors, and to report their cases. Additionally, police Criminal Investigation Department are mainly responsible for the investigation of rape cases and provided regular GBV trainings for the concerned detectives for GBV matters.

All those achievements have a coordination gab across such institutions, and without coordination victims may experience uncertainty and confusion, which causes public to lose the thrust of formal judicial system

GBV coordination it is important to emphasize the need for an integrated responsible agency that ultimately benefits the victim/survivor. A multi-sectoral response to GBV represents a holistic and coordinated approach aimed at harmonizing and correlating programs and actions developed and implemented by a variety of institutions (but not limited to these) in the areas of psychosocial welfare, law enforcement (police, prosecutors and justice departments) and health.

Therefore, a multi-sectoral response leads to an increased level of safety and support for victims/survivors through an effective, immediate and consistent services network. Coordination results in effective action to mitigate and prevent GBV and promote survivors’ access to multi-sector services

AG Office One day coordination meeting of relevant justice institutions socialization and awareness raising on SGBV matters
The main objectives of this meeting are

1. Socialization and awareness raising on SGBV offences.

2. Creating GBV Coordination Group including medical, law enforcement and social workers of relevant ministries to ensure effective, integrated case management and coordination

3. Building network of effective cooperation between Prosecutors, Police, legal aid providers and Justice department.

4. Ensuring the victim/survivor remains the focus of attention and receives services aaction to prevent, mitigate and respond to GBV in emergencies strengthen national systems and build local capacities.

5. Guaranteeing protection of survivors’ rights and support their access to justice consistent with international standards of fair tria.