By: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr. | Gbarpolu Correspondent
Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County |May 23, 2026|Health workers, police officers, and community leaders in Gbarpolu County have completed a five-day training aimed at improving the handling of rape and sexual and gender-based violence cases across the county.
The training took place from May 19 to May 23, 2026, in Bopolu City.
It was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with ActionAid Liberia and funded by the Government of Sweden through the Just and Equal Communities Project.
Organizers said the training focused on improving cooperation between health workers, police, gender officers, and community groups so survivors can receive medical care, counseling, and legal support on time.
The need for stronger case management was highlighted during the opening of the May 2026 Term of Court at the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Bopolu City.
Court records showed 25 active cases, including eight rape cases, nine drug-related cases, three murder cases, and one burglary case.
Local human rights advocates say Gbarpolu County has faced challenges with under-reporting of rape cases for many years.
According to reports, many cases were often settled within families instead of being reported to authorities.
Speaking during the training, Markonee T. Knightley, Women’s Rights Manager at ActionAid Liberia, stressed the importance of collaboration among all institutions involved in handling SGBV cases.
“Our key message is collaboration. All actors, health workers, police, gender officers, and community groups, must work together and make referrals promptly,” she said.
She also emphasized confidentiality and equal access to sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents.
Bennie J. Clarke, Director of Community Health for the Gbarpolu County Health Team, said the training was intended to build the confidence and skills of healthcare workers handling clinical SGBV cases.
He stated, “When clinicians are not trained, they shy away because of the legal implication. Now they will have the confidence to handle cases and defend them in court.”
Clarke also warned that rape cases should never be settled at the family level because rape is a crime that must be reported.
Commander Paskaline Dukuly of the Women and Children Protection Section of the Liberia National Police in Gbarpolu said the training would improve reporting and coordination across all 14 health facilities in the county.
Organizers say the project aims to strengthen local systems so women, youth, and vulnerable groups can receive respectful, confidential, and timely support services throughout Gbarpolu County.
