The National anti-Gender Based Violence and Child Abuse campaign that was launched early this month continued yesterday October 23, in Bugesera District. Police officers worked with local authorities to reconcile 21 families that had for long been wrecked by wrangles.

According to the Police, family wrangles sometimes culminate into violence between spouses and effects of such misunderstandings normally affects children.

"Sometimes what maybe the cause of a misunderstanding may not necessarily be a big issue but as long as you don’t come to a mutual understanding, it’s your children that will suffer the consequences of your wrangles,” said Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Cyprien Uwitonze, Bugesera District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO).

The reconciled families are all from Gashora sector. After a group meeting with the estranged family, officers and local leaders met each family separately and educated them about effects of GBV and laws that punish anyone who violates the right of the other or those of the children.

Addressing the families, the Bugesera District Judicial Police Officer, Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Emmerita Uwitonze told families that violence robs women and girls of their full potential and causes suffering.

"Violence against women and children hinders economic development, threatens peace and prosperity, and slows down full participation in family and community affairs. We all need to support each other to  ensure every family lives in harmony,: she said.

Uwitonze went on to outline laws governing GBV and noted that it takes on many forms and can occur without being detected sometimes. Forms of GBV usually include female infanticide, child sexual abuse, forced labour, neglect, domestic violence, elderly abuse, and harmful traditional practices such as early and forced marriage.

The coordinator of Gashora sector, Jean de Dieu Muyengezi said, "Regardless of the form that GBV takes, it is a human rights violation that Rwanda as a country has chosen to uproot from society. We can end this scourge, if, we can work together.”

The 21 families thanked the police and local leaders for enlightening them; and promised to ensure they solve their misunderstandings amicably.