Madam Esther Buakuma, Adaklu District Police Commander, has warned that persons who engage in rape could face a prison term of not less than five years and not more than 25 years under Section 97 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
She said having sexual intercourse with girls under 16 years constitutes defilement under Section 101 of Act 29, which also attracts a prison term of not less than seven years and not more than 25 years.
Madam Buakuma gave the warning during an engagement organised by the Adaklu District Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) with boys and men at the animal market at Adaklu Waya.
The programme was aimed at educating and empowering participants on adolescent health, gender equality, and the prevention of gender-based violence.
The engagement was funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by the NCCE in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
She said having carnal knowledge of a close blood relation is also an offence under Section 105 of Act 29, which carries a prison term of not less than three years and not more than 25 years.
Madam Buakuma noted that perpetrators of such crimes come from all walks of life, including judges, doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers, clergy, and law enforcement officers.
“The offenders include teachers, family members, pastors, co-tenants, boyfriends, classmates, co-workers, and even fathers,” she said.
She enumerated causes of domestic violence as lack of self-confidence and assertiveness, low awareness of personal and collective rights, and parental neglect.
Other factors, she said, included inadequate shelter, alcohol and substance abuse, poverty, and exposure to violence.
Touching on psychological abuse, Madam Buakuma said it destroys the victim’s self-worth and emotional wellbeing. She advised men to treat their partners with dignity and respect.
