Pader records rise in men reporting gender-based violence cases

26 July 2026, 11:43 am

By Geoffrey Okwong

Pader District has registered an increase in the number of men reporting gender-based violence (GBV), a trend authorities say reflects growing awareness that support services are available to all survivors regardless of gender.

The figures were presented during a Case Conference organized by SOS Children’s Villages at the Pader District Health Boardroom.

The District Probation and Social Welfare Officer, Norbert Okii, said the district recorded 71 gender-based violence cases during the last quarter. Of these, 37 were cases of physical violence, 10 involved emotional violence, and 24 were cases of economic violence.

According to Okii, 41 of the complainants were women while 30 were men, a significant shift from previous reporting trends where between 80 and 90 percent of complainants were women.

He said the increase in the number of men reporting cases demonstrates that communities are becoming more aware that gender-based violence affects both men and women, encouraging more survivors to seek help through formal reporting channels.

Despite the positive trend, Okii expressed concern that many complainants fail to follow up on their cases after reporting them, slowing investigations and limiting access to justice. 

He revealed that only one of the 71 reported cases has so far been taken to court, while 15 were resolved through mediation.

The Pader District Community Development Officer, Festo Okidi, said stakeholders are strengthening coordination to improve the district’s response to gender-based violence and child protection. 

He said regular case conferences provide an opportunity to review reported cases, identify service gaps and improve coordination among government departments and development partners.

Okidi acknowledged that weak follow-up remains a challenge but said stronger collaboration would improve case management and ensure survivors receive timely support.

Meanwhile, Brenda Adong, Program Manager at SOS Children’s Villages, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the district in protecting children and responding to gender-based violence. 

She said SOS Children’s Villages will continue advocating for children’s rights, strengthening community awareness and supporting follow-up of reported cases in partnership with district authorities.

Adong also pledged to support the Probation Office with fuel for field follow-up, saying timely response to reported cases is critical to ensuring survivors receive protection and justice.

The officials urged community members to report all forms of gender-based violence promptly and cooperate with investigators to ensure perpetrators are held accountable and survivors receive the support they need.