Evaluation of Implementation of GBV Law

Brief Description

The evaluation of the implementation of the GBV Law was conducted in 2017. This evaluation shows substantial progress in measures taken to implement the GBV Law, in all its dimensions: (a) GBV awareness and prevention initiatives, as well as education for equality, that resulted in increased knowledge of the population in respect to GBV and the Law that forbids and punishes GBV; however, doubts on the concept of GBV still persist, in particular among personnel responsible for law implementation; (b) the establishment of the GBV Support Centres (CAV) and continuation of the SOL network were considered a best practice for assistance and protection of GBV victims; nonetheless, after 2016 a gap occurred due to the re-organization of the CAV and to a reduction in the dynamics of the SOL network (in 2018, there is evidence of improvement); the commitment of the National Police to assist and protect GBV victims is notorious, and investments were made in the health sector, that have however not yet translated into visible results in terms of institutionalization of the sector’s response to GBV; recently a GBV shelter was established, strengthening this aspects of the protection response; (c) the delay in GBV proceedings is a major constraint to the punishment of perpetrators; delays are a generalized problem, and GBV cases are solved more quickly, comparatively to other cases; the need persists for specialized Prosecutors and judges, dedicated to GBV, as foreseen by the PNVBG (only Praia has one specialized Prosecutor and Judge).