| dc.description.abstract | This paper presents a thorough analysis of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
cases reported to the Gokarella Police Station in the North-western Province between 2017
and 2021. The research aims to identify the most prevalent types of SGBV cases in the
area, determine their underlying causes, and address the research question concerning
the reasons behind the increasing incidence of SGBV cases. Data collection involved
monthly crime statistics reports from the Gokarella Police Station and interviews with key
personnel, including the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the station, the OIC of the Women and
Child Bureau, and investigating officers involved in relevant cases. Interviewees provided
more descriptive opinions and information regarding the nature of filed cases, the nature
of suspects’ and respective victims’ behaviour in the area. These crucial information were
then thoroughly analysed to gain the results of this research. The identified SGBV cases
were categorized as rape, grave sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, and a
comparative analysis was conducted to observe changes in each type year by year. The
findings reveal that sexual harassment is the most probable type of SGBV reported to the
Gokarella Police Station. The causes of SGBV vary by type, with some contributing factors
including poverty, social inequality, and gender discrimination. Moreover, the COVID-19
pandemic appears to have contributed to an increase in domestic violence cases, likely
due to families being confined together at home during quarantine restrictions. This
paper provides valuable insights into the root causes of SGBV in the Gokarella Police
Station area, offering crucial information for the development of targeted policies and
programs aimed at preventing and effectively addressing SGBV in the region. | en_US |
