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ADNews-Monrovia,Liberia: The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), in partnership with the Community Health Care Initiative (CHI) and the Liberia Association of Psychosocial Services (LAPS), has concluded a specialized training session aimed at strengthening the application of the Domestic Violence Act within Liberia’s criminal justice system.
Held on February 25, 2026, at the King’s Hotel in Sinkor, the day-long session brought together legal practitioners, law enforcement officers, and justice sector stakeholders to enhance their capacity in investigating and prosecuting gender-based violence cases. The initiative, funded by the Danish Institute against Torture (DIGNITY), forms part of broader efforts to ensure survivors receive adequate legal protection while holding perpetrators accountable.
Delivering the welcome remarks, AFELL Vice President Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley issued a strong call to law enforcement officers to fundamentally reshape their approach to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). “I urge you to move beyond viewing this as a ‘woman’s issue’ and treat it as the serious crime it represents,” Cllr. Kelley stated, speaking on behalf of AFELL President Cllr. Philomena Williams.
Revealing that AFELL alone receives more than 50 reports of domestic violence weekly, Cllr. Kelley emphasized that “these statistics are more than numbers; they represent real lives and underscore the urgent need for effective intervention.”
She stressed that domestic violence is rarely an isolated incident but often involves “ongoing coercive control,” highlighting the need for training that enables officers to recognize non-physical forms of abuse, including economic and emotional manipulation.
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. These abuses, she explained, inflict profound and lasting harm on both individual survivors and the broader social fabric.
“Gender-based violence produces far-reaching economic, social, and developmental consequences,” she told participants. “It perpetuates gender inequality, reinforces harmful societal norms, and stifles the growth and potential of entire communities.”
Reminding law enforcement officers that they serve as “the crucial first line of defense,” Cllr. Kelley urged them to adopt proactive, victim-centered approaches that move beyond reactive responses.
“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.
The training featured technical sessions focused on evidence gathering and preservation, followed by guidance on applying a human rights-based approach when interacting with survivors.
Background
AFELL was established on February 10, 1994, during the height of Liberia’s civil crisis as a non-profit, non-governmental entity. It was founded in response to the collapse of the legal system, which had left women and children extremely vulnerable to abuse and injustice. Over the past three decades, AFELL has grown into the country’s premier organization championing gender equality and access to justice.
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