Caritas Freetown, with key support from Manos Unidas, recently conducted a specialized training program for 20 personnel on June 19, 2026. This significant initiative was designed to strengthen support services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The intensive session, held at the Twin Hall in Hastings, focused specifically on enhancing skills in case management and psychosocial approaches critical for effective SGBV support. This vital training took place entirely within the Western Area Rural District, targeting key responders in the region.
Training Objectives and Scope
The training is an integral component of a broader, full initiative titled "Strengthening Behavioural Change on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Prevention, Promoting Access to Justice and Wellbeing for Vulnerable Women and Girls in the Western Area." This larger project provides the overarching framework and specific objectives for the training sessions. Project Officer Alima Turay articulated the core aims of the program, emphasizing its key role in significantly enhancing the capabilities of the Family Support Unit (FSU) personnel. Turay stated that the training focused intently on strengthening both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required by FSU personnel for effectively handling and responding to SGBV cases. The primary objective is to ensure that all participants are better equipped to provide full, survivor-centered support to individuals affected by SGBV.
Key Training Content
Key topics covered during the training included a full understanding of SGBV in its various forms, effective strategies for behavioral change within communities, the specific roles and responsibilities of Family Support Unit (FSU) officers, fundamental professional ethics, and the key dynamics of multi-sectoral collaboration among various stakeholders. The training sessions were expertly facilitated by Inspector Michael Gbeten of the Sierra Leone Police Family Support Unit at Calaba Town, bringing invaluable practical experience to the program. Inspector Gbeten placed significant emphasis on the critical importance of professional evidence collection and showed the necessity of thorough investigations in all SGBV cases to ensure justice. He also strongly urged all participants to consistently uphold professional ethics and to resolutely resist external influences, including family pressure and corruption, in the diligent execution of their duties. This focus on integrity and meticulousness was a recurring theme throughout the sessions.
Participant Feedback and Challenges
Personnel attending the training represented 10 distinct Family Support Unit (FSU) divisions from across the Western Area Rural District, noting the widespread impact of the program. Sergeant Amie Kpange of the Family Support Unit at Newton Police Station characterized the training sessions as both highly informative and exceptionally timely. Sergeant Kpange stated, "Our operations border around most of what we have been taught here today, so this training served as an important reminder. It has strengthened my knowledge of survivor-centred case management and the importance of combining investigations with psychosocial support." This feedback showed the direct relevance of the training content to the daily responsibilities of FSU officers.
Sergeant Kpange also noted several persistent operational challenges faced by FSU officers in the field. She specifically noted difficulties with accurate age assessments for victims, explaining that "many survivors struggle to afford transportation to access the required services," which often include medical evaluations key for age verification. Additionally, Sergeant Kpange identified delays in obtaining medical endorsements as a persistent issue, which can significantly impact timely case processing and the overall pursuit of justice for survivors.
Broader Impact and Future Efforts
The training aimed to significantly strengthen the support services available for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) within the Western Area Rural District. This initiative is part of ongoing and dedicated efforts by Caritas Freetown and its partners, including Manos Unidas, to reinforce institutional responses to SGBV. By enhancing the capabilities of FSU personnel, these efforts seek to ensure that full assistance and justice pathways are more accessible and effective for all affected individuals. The commitment to continuous capacity building is central to improving outcomes for vulnerable women and girls.