Jean-Paul Murunga, Senior Programmes Officer for Ending Sexual Violence at Equality Now, says that victim blaming and a widespread lack of awareness are two of the most significant barriers preventing justice for survivors.
Murunga highlights that in many African communities, there is little knowledge of where to report a rape or sexual assault, leaving survivors feeling isolated and unsure of how to proceed. "When a person is raped, especially in rural or less-educated communities, they don’t know where to go or how to get help. Often, when they do reach out, they are met with skepticism or blame," Murunga explains. This blame is often directed at the survivor with questions like "What were you wearing?" or "Why were you out at night?" which only discourages victims from coming forward.
The report points out that law enforcement officers frequently respond to rape cases with indifference, further compounding the trauma experienced by survivors. In some cases, police may fail to act on a report or even accuse the victim of contributing to the assault. "This lack of support is a major deterrent," Murunga says. "When survivors feel blamed or ignored, they often choose to remain silent, which perpetuates the cycle of violence."
The report also discusses how cultural attitudes in many communities can lead to informal, often harmful resolutions, like pressuring victims to accept compensation or agreeing to marry their attacker to avoid the case going to court. "In these situations, justice is sidelined in favour of quick fixes that undermine the survivor’s dignity and legal rights," Murunga adds.
Beyond these cultural and societal barriers, Equality Now also identifies systemic delays in the justice process. With many cases taking years to resolve, survivors often feel discouraged from pursuing justice altogether. Financial burdens, such as transport costs to remote courts, further prevent survivors from accessing the justice they deserve.
To address these challenges, Equality Now is calling for comprehensive reforms. Murunga stresses the need for better police training to handle sexual violence cases with sensitivity and understanding, as well as a more robust legal framework that recognises all forms of sexual assault. He also advocates for long-term psychological support for survivors, noting that recovery from trauma is a lifelong process that extends far beyond the initial stages of counselling.
The report ends with a call for governments across Africa to take immediate action to strengthen the legal system and invest in prevention strategies. "It's not enough to react to cases of sexual violence. We need systems in place to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place," Murunga concludes.
--ChannelAfrica--
