Government recorded 6,000 cases of sexual violence in 2021
The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare said on Thursday that it has recorded more than 6,000 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) between January and November 2021.
Ayaa Benjamin Warille, National Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, said the police recorded cases of rape and physical violence across the country.
She told journalists in Juba that there are still many unreported cases of GBV.
The revelations come ahead of the launch of 16 days of activism against GBV.
While GBV-related crimes are a persistent issue in South Sudan, delays or underreporting owing to fear and stigma exacerbate the crisis and may escalate sexual assault, particularly in remote areas.
Benjamin disclosed that many cases have not been reported due to stigma and cultural norms.
“Because of many reasons such as culture and stigma many people are not reporting. This is just to give us an idea of what is happening in our country,” she said.
Regina Ossa Lullo, Director General for Gender and Child Welfare in the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, said the cases also included defilement.
