IJA steps up training to protect sexual violence survivors in court

KAGERA: The Institute of Judicial Administration Lushoto (IJA), in collaboration with Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI), has intensified efforts to safeguard survivors of sexual violence during court proceedings through specialised training for justice sector officials.

The three-day training, now in its sixth phase, kicked off today, April 20, 2026, in Bukoba and Sumbawanga districts, bringing together magistrates, prosecutors and social welfare officers from Kagera, Geita, Rukwa and Katavi regions. The initiative is funded by the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania.

Opening the training in Bukoba, the Judge in Charge of the High Court, Bukoba Zone, Immaculata Banzi, underscored the need for sensitivity in handling sexual violence cases, warning that survivors often carry deep emotional and psychological scars.

“Sexual abuse and gender-based violence leave profound emotional and psychological wounds on survivors,” she said.

Justice Banzi cautioned that poorly handled legal processes can worsen survivors’ trauma, stressing the responsibility of justice actors to ensure victims feel safe, heard and respected throughout proceedings.

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In Sumbawanga, the Judge in Charge of the High Court, Frederick Kapela Manyanda, echoed similar concerns, noting that insensitive questioning and unsafe court environments can further harm survivors.

He urged stakeholders to uphold the dignity and well-being of survivors before, during and after court proceedings, and to apply the knowledge gained from the training in their daily work.

Training coordinator Gloria Shuma said the programme focuses on practical techniques to avoid re-traumatising survivors, including the use of respectful and professional language and the creation of survivor-friendly court environments.

Participants are also being equipped with skills and approaches aimed at improving professionalism and enhancing the handling of sexual violence cases.

The initiative seeks to ensure survivors can testify in court without fear, in an environment that respects their dignity and emotional well-being.

Similar trainings have previously been conducted in Tanga, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Kigoma, Mtwara, Mbeya, Mwanza, Morogoro, Arusha, Musoma and Songea.

The programme forms part of the Judiciary of Tanzania’s broader efforts to strengthen justice delivery systems to be more inclusive and responsive, particularly to vulnerable groups such as survivors of gender-based violence.