Quarta, Fevereiro 19, 2025

In 2024, the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) in Lautém Municipality dealt with a total of 42 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

In 2024, the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) in Lautém Municipality dealt with a total of 42 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The Commander of the Lautém Municipal Police, Superintendent João da Costa, said these GBV cases happened because of the impacts of alcohol consumption, economic problems, and the misuse of social media.

"During 2024, we handled 42 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and all these cases have been processed and submitted to Public Prosecutions," he said.

He explained that while the outcomes for the perpetrators of these GBV cases are not yet finalized, all cases have been sent to the Public Prosecution Service for further action.

"We haven’t received the final decision on the cases as they fall under judicial confidentiality. The decisions will be made in court," Superintendent Costa clarified.

In addition to handling GBV cases, Lautém Municipal Police also conducted community outreach to educate people on how to protect themselves from violence.

Meanwhile, Novita Vila-Nova, an academic from the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), said cases of violence against women and girls remain high. She stressed the importance of primary prevention efforts.

"We’ve seen many efforts by the government and its partners to reduce violence against women, but so far, the cases have not been reduced," she said.

She suggests the government must prioritize prevention efforts. Referring to the national plan, she noted that the pillars of addressing GBV include prevention, protection, and access to justice.

"Budget allocation is also needed for protection measures. The government has an obligation to focus on prevention, starting with families, by promoting dialogue and ensuring safe relationships," she added.

She added that collaboration with international partners is necessary to provide comprehensive education on sexuality and reproductive health in schools, which would also help reduce GBV cases in society.