The Inspector General (In the middle) after officially being handed over the VSU
The Inspector General of the Malawi Police Police Service, Mrs Merlyne Yolamu (PPM) says Victim Support Units need proper service centers which are child-friendly, gender-sensitive and victim-centered.
She was speaking on Thursday, September 29, 2022 in Likoma after being handed over Likoma Victim Support Unit which has been rehabilitated with Support from the European Union (EU) under the Chilungamo Programme.
Yolamu described the development as a great milestone that will provide a conducive environment and improve service delivery.
Yolamu also thanked the Honourable Chief
Justice, Rizine R. Mzikamanda SC who was the chief guest and the Minister of Justice Honourable Titus Mvalo SC for good working relationship between Judiciary and Police and other stakeholders.
"It is this good relationship which has been facilitated by Chilungamo Programme that has seen stiffer penalties for all gender-based violence cases especially those related to sexual violations including the so called “Yoneco” cases – the sexual abuse of girl child," said Yolamu.
In his remarks, the European Union Head of Delegation, His Excellency Rune Skinnebach, said it is crucial to have such important structures so that people shouldn't leave the Island to seek services on the mainland.
"People must have diginified place close to them where they can access justice," said Skinnebach.
Apart from supporting Malawi Police Service with rehabilitation of Victim Support Units, Chilungamo Programme has also been instrumental in building capacity of both investigators and prosecutors.
Chilungamo Project targeted to rehabilitate 10 Victim Support Units across the country and out of which 8 have been completed. The rehabilitation of victim support units across the country responds to the needs of communities when in need of VSU services.
Likoma Victim Support Unit has been rehabilitated to the tune of fifty million kwacha (K50,000,000).