馃嚦馃嚘NamibiaSouthern Africa
Omusati region records 465 gender-based violence cases in 2025/26 financial year
via The Namibian2 min read
The Omusati region registered 465 cases of gender-based violence GBV during the 2025/26 financial year, as announced by Omusati governor Immanuel Shikongo during his state of the region address. Shikongo also reported 204 cases of child physical abuse in the same period, affecting 82 boys and 122 girls, highlighting that children continue to be victims of abuse, abandonment, and severe neglect. He noted that vulnerable children have been placed in temporary shelters and designated safe places, with interventions implemented for children living on the streets. The governor emphasized the need for collective efforts to protect children's rights and urged communities to report abuse and hold perpetrators accountable. Omusati regional police commander commissioner Ismael Basson stated that delayed reporting of GBV cases is a significant challenge, as many incidents occur privately and are reported long after they happen. Basson previously noted in 2024 that women and children in the region were at risk due to an increase in rape and sexual assault cases, often perpetrated by close male family members.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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