Tanzanian magistrates, social welfare officers receive training on how to support victims of sexual violence
DAR ES SALAAM: IN efforts to strengthen access to justice for survivors of sexual abuse, the Institute of Judicial Administration Lushoto (IJA), in collaboration with the Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) and with funding from the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania, is conducting a three-day specialized training programme for judges and social welfare officers on trauma-informed approaches in handling cases involving victims of sexual violence.
The training aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and practical techniques required to handle sexual violence cases in a manner that protects victims’ dignity, reduces fear and anxiety, and prevents re-traumatization during testimony and throughout the justice process.
Speaking during the opening of the training in Dodoma on Monday, June 22, the Judge-in-Charge of the High Court of Tanzania, Dodoma Zone, Joachim Tiganga, underscored the importance of creating survivor-friendly justice systems. He noted that sexual violence and gender-based violence often leave deep emotional and psychological scars on survivors, making it essential for justice actors to adopt sensitive and supportive approaches when handling such cases.
Similarly in Dar es Salaam, Mwanabaraka Mnyukwa of the High Court’s Integrated Justice centre-Temeke deals with Family and Probate matters, emphasized that survivors can suffer further harm when subjected to insensitive questioning or exposed to unsafe and intimidating court environments.
She urged participants to safeguard the dignity and well-being of survivors before trial, during court proceedings, and after the trial.
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Gloria Shuma, The training coordinator, stated that the training has 60 participants, with 30 participants in Dodoma and 30 participants in Dar es Salaam.
The training provides participants with practical knowledge and skills on the use of respectful language, professional conduct, and the creation of survivor-centered court environments that promote trust and confidence in the justice system.
The sixth phase of the training brings together participants from several regions across Tanzania. The Dodoma session includes judges and social welfare officers from Iringa, Tabora, Manyara, Arusha, Moshi and Dodoma, while the Dar es Salaam session brings together participants from Pwani, Tanga, Lindi, Songea, Mtwara and Morogoro.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity of justice sector professionals to deliver responsive, victim-centered services and ensure that survivors of sexual violence can access justice without experiencing further psychological harm.
