A three-day training on records management for police, justice actors and prison officers, focusing on gender-based violence (GBV) and child abuse, concluded on Saturday in Rumbek, Lakes State.
The training was organised by TOCH under the Peace in Practice project on Community-Led Governance, Protection and Economic Cooperation, and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
The programme aims to strengthen protection systems and improve coordination among justice and security actors in Lakes State and Greater Tonj, where weak governance, limited access to justice and economic hardship continue to fuel cycles of violence, organisers said.
It brought together about 30 participants from Rumbek North, Rumbek Central, Rumbek East and Cueibet counties, including police officers, prison staff, social workers and representatives of line ministries.
TOCH project coordinator in Lakes State, Shaloma Piath Gum, said the training focused on improving GBV case documentation, referral pathways and inter-agency coordination.
She said participants were trained on managing sensitive GBV and child abuse records, strengthening reporting systems and improving responses for survivors.
“The programme is about capacity building so that officers can properly handle cases, keep records and strengthen referral systems,” she said, adding that coordination between institutions is key to improving protection services.
Participants said the training highlighted the need for stronger awareness and prevention of GBV and child abuse at community level, particularly in rural areas and cattle camps.
A prison officer in Rumbek East, Alek Akim Dier, said cases of sexual violence and child abuse remain a concern and called for increased community sensitisation.
“There are cases of rape and child abuse in some communities, especially in rural areas and cattle camps,” she said.
A member of Rumbek Town Court, Ayor Achol Kuer, said the training underscored the importance of confidentiality in handling survivors and protecting victims’ identities.
“Victims must be taken to health facilities within 72 hours, and their identities must be protected,” she said.
Lakes State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare Director General Peter Gum Ater said the training also covered national and international legal frameworks on child protection and women’s rights, including the Child Act 2008 and relevant conventions.
He said participants were trained on survivor handling, confidentiality and proper record keeping, noting challenges such as limited digital infrastructure.
He added that improved coordination between police, social workers, local authorities and prisons was essential for an effective response and referral system for GBV cases.
Officials said the training forms part of broader efforts to strengthen protection systems and reduce violence in Lakes State and surrounding areas.
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