Rwanda: Why Many GBV Survivors Suffer in Silence Rather Than Seek Justice

What the report says

A New Times report published in Kigali on 3 November 2026 examines why many survivors of gender-based violence in Rwanda remain silent rather than seek justice. The article centers on Claudine, whose name was changed for privacy, and describes years of abuse by her husband, the risks she feared in reporting him, and the social and financial pressures that kept her from speaking out sooner. Her case ended with his conviction and imprisonment after she sought medical help through an Isange One Stop Centre, but it also exposed the stigma survivors can face from relatives, prison staff and others after a case is reported.

The report says legal and rights experts see several barriers to reporting GBV, including fear of family breakdown, dependence on a partner’s income, shame, limited awareness of rights and services, and the emotional toll of recounting abuse. Angelique Mujawayezu of Haguruka said some survivors are blamed for “breaking up” families instead of being treated as victims, while children facing sexual abuse may also be silenced by family pressure or lack of information.

The article also notes problems survivors may meet after entering the justice system, including victim-blaming, weak communication about case progress and long delays in court. Innocent Muramira, a Kigali lawyer, said late reporting can make evidence harder to secure. Mujawayezu urged more training for police, investigators, prosecutors, judges and health workers, along with stronger community awareness that GBV is not a private matter and should be reported promptly.