Legal Access Through Women Yearning for Equality Rights and Social Justice (LAWYERS) has conducted a one-day training for 50 officers of the Family Support Unit (FSU) and Police Court Prosecutors, aimed at strengthening the investigation and prosecution of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases in Sierra Leone.
The training, which brought together officers from Kailahun, Moyamba, Koinadugu, and Kambia District Police Divisions, was held on 2nd July 2026 at the Buxton Memorial Hall on Charles Street in Freetown.
It formed part of LAWYERS’ continued efforts to enhance the justice sector’s response to SGBV, with emphasis on improving victim-centered approaches, strengthening investigative capacity, and ensuring effective prosecution of offenders.
Participants were trained on key areas including proper handling of SGBV complaints, evidence collection and preservation, case file preparation, and courtroom prosecution strategies. At the end of the session, officers noted that the training had significantly improved their skills and understanding of SGBV case management.
The training was facilitated by Ms Vivienne E. A. Kabia, Esq., a Senior State Prosecutor, who provided practical guidance on handling sensitive SGBV cases within the criminal justice system.
The initiative was supported by Comic Relief under the project titled “Enhancing Access to Justice, Representation and Legal Advice for Vulnerable Women and Girls,” which focuses on expanding access to justice and legal protection for survivors of abuse.
The President of LAWYERS, who attended the training, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening the fight against SGBV and improving institutional capacity to support survivors and ensure justice delivery.
Speaking at the event, Head of the Family Support Unit, Superintendent Mohamed S. Y. Mansaray, expressed appreciation to LAWYERS for the intervention, noting that continuous professional development remains critical in improving the quality of investigations and prosecutions.
He further stated that the training has enhanced officers’ ability to deliver survivor-centered services while ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under the laws of Sierra Leone.
At the end of the training, participants pledged to apply the knowledge gained in their daily operations, describing the programme as timely and impactful.
LAWYERS expressed gratitude to Comic Relief for funding the initiative and commended the leadership of the Family Support Unit for its collaboration and support in strengthening the fight against SGBV in Sierra Leone.
