Published: February 27, 2026
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), in collaboration with the Community Health Care Initiative (CHI) and the Liberia Association of Psychosocial Services (LAPS), has concluded a day-long training aimed at strengthening enforcement of the Domestic Violence Act within Liberia’s criminal justice system.
Held at the King’s Hotel in Sinkor, the training brought together legal practitioners, law enforcement officers and justice sector stakeholders to enhance their understanding of the law and improve the investigation and prosecution of gender-based violence cases. The initiative is supported by the Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY).
Organizers said the effort forms part of broader efforts to ensure survivors of domestic violence receive effective legal protection and that perpetrators are held accountable.
“These Statistics Are More Than Numbers”
Delivering the welcome remarks on behalf of AFELL President Cllr. Philomena Williams, Vice President Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley urged law enforcement officers to fundamentally change how they approach sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“These statistics are more than numbers; they represent real lives and underscore the urgent need for effective intervention,” Cllr. Kelley said, revealing that AFELL alone receives more than 50 domestic violence reports each week.
She stressed that domestic violence is rarely an isolated incident but often involves ongoing coercive control, including economic and emotional manipulation. She emphasized the need for officers to recognize non-physical forms of abuse and understand the psychological barriers that prevent victims from seeking help.
Alarming National Data
Cllr. Kelley cited a recent United Nations report indicating that 60% of Liberian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, while one in ten has suffered sexual violence.
“Gender-based violence produces far-reaching economic, social, and developmental consequences. It perpetuates gender inequality, reinforces harmful societal norms, and stifles the growth and potential of entire communities,” she said.
She reminded law enforcement officers that they are the first line of defense in ensuring survivor safety and perpetrator accountability.
“Addressing this issue is essential to fostering a safer and more equitable Liberia,” she added.
Call for Victim-Centered Policing
Cllr. Kelley urged officers to move beyond reactive responses and adopt proactive, victim-centered approaches.
“Domestic violence, particularly sexual and gender-based violence, must be recognized as a serious crime, not merely a woman’s issue, and treated accordingly. Your dedication and service are crucial to the successful implementation of the Domestic Violence Act and to advancing justice in Liberia. The impact of your actions, whether taken or omitted, can be lasting and transformative for victims and survivors,” she stressed.
Strengthening Investigations and Prosecution
The training included technical sessions focused on evidence gathering, preservation procedures and prosecution strategies. Participants also received guidance on applying a human rights-based approach when interacting with survivors of domestic violence.
Organizers said strengthening investigative capacity and improving survivor-centered responses remain critical to enhancing accountability within the justice system.
AFELL’s Continued Advocacy
Founded on Feb. 10, 1994, during Liberia’s civil crisis, AFELL was established in response to the collapse of the legal system that left women and children vulnerable to abuse and injustice.
Over the past three decades, the organization has evolved into Liberia’s leading advocate for gender equality and access to justice.
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