By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
The Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police has launched a five-day training programme aimed at strengthening officers’ ability to investigate and manage Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases nationwide.
The session, currently underway in Freetown, targets 30 officers drawn largely from the North East and Western Area regions. Training modules cover early marriage, domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of sexual violence, with a focus on investigative technique and survivor-centered case handling.
Acting Director of Training, ACP Joe Kamanda-Bongay, opened the workshop on behalf of Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu, who was absent due to official duties. He charged participants to approach the training with discipline, noting that “continuous professional development remains critical to effective policing and public trust.”
ACP Kamanda-Bongay commended FSU leadership for mobilising support from development partners, NGOs, and government agencies to deliver the programme. He described the FSU as “one of the most strategic units” within the force, citing a series of externally supported initiatives since the current head took office.
Participants will study key statutes including the Child Rights Act and other legislation governing the protection of women and children. Facilitators from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Ministry of Social Welfare will lead sessions on legal procedures, inter-agency collaboration, and child protection standards.
FSU Head, Superintendent Mohamed S.Y. Mansaray, said the training is designed to close competency gaps in handling cases of sexual violence, domestic abuse, and child marriage. “We want officers leaving here with practical skills — from evidence gathering to proper charging of offenders,” he said.
The curriculum also includes psychosocial support for survivors and case management protocols to ensure matters are processed in line with due process. Mansaray praised the Inspector General’s backing of the unit and confirmed that similar trainings will be rolled out to rural divisions to standardize FSU response capacity nationwide.
The initiative forms part of the Sierra Leone Police’s wider drive to combat SGBV and improve access to justice and protection for vulnerable citizens.
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