By Rose Aba Akafo
Rainbo centres across Sierra Leone recorded a total of 3,055 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in 2025, with children aged 11-15 the most affected, according to official data released by the organisation.
Of these, 2,723 were sexual assault, resulting in 514 pregnancies, making it the most frequently reported form of abuse. The report also documented 330 physical assault cases, two psychological assault cases, and one HIV-related case identified through survivor services.
The data paints an alarming picture for young people. Children aged 11-15 accounted for 1,299 cases, while those aged 16-20 recorded 991 cases. Together, these groups represent nearly three-quarters of all reported cases in 2025.
The overwhelming majority of survivors were female, accounting for 3,030 women and girls compared to 25 males, with more than half of the survivors below 15 years. While the figures confirm that SGBV disproportionately affects females, experts caution that stigma and silence may be preventing many male survivors from reporting abuse.
Behind the statistics are harrowing human stories. The youngest survivor recorded last year was a six-month-old baby girl, while the oldest was a 58-year-old woman reportedly gang-raped during a community dispute in which her house was set ablaze.
In one tragic case, a 14-year-old junior secondary school pupil died after allegedly being sexually assaulted. She was taken unconscious to a Rainbo Centre in Freetown and later referred to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
“These cases show that SGBV cuts across all ages and social backgrounds,” the Rainbo Initiative said. “Each number represents a real life changed forever.”
The report further highlights the broader health impact of abuse. In addition to the 514 pregnancies linked to sexual violence, 2,179 cases of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were also recorded.
Access to justice remains a major challenge. Of the thousands of cases reported in 2025, only eight cases were mentioned before a magistrate court, 13 were committed to the high court, whilst nine were successfully prosecuted
While convictions at the high court level show progress, the vast majority of cases do not advance that far due to delays in investigations, lack of evidence, or survivor withdrawal, the report said.
Freetown recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Kenema, Kono, Bo, and Makeni. Rainbo officials say higher numbers in urban areas may reflect better access to reporting centres rather than higher incidence alone. Rural districts with fewer reported cases may still be experiencing significant underreporting.
Comparing 2024 and 2025, overall cases increased by 10-15 percent. Physical assault cases doubled, while pregnancies linked to abuse rose by 18 percent. Referrals from communities and partners also increased, suggesting growing awareness and trust in reporting systems. The Family Support Unit remains the primary referral pathway.
Despite improvements in case management and follow-up support, the report stresses that response alone is not enough. It recommends expeditious trial, stronger enforcement of protection laws, improved safeguards in schools, and greater investment in prevention programs.
Rainbow officials say the crisis will continue to deepen unless targeted interventions were considered by the government, development partners, and communities.