By Davida Spaine- Solomon
Freetown, 25th February 2026 – Demand for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) services in Sierra Leone remains alarmingly high, according to newly released figures presented at the annual SGBV State of Data launch hosted by the Rainbo Initiative in partnership with the Carter Center.
The 2025 caseload overview paints a worrying picture. Of the 3,055 total cases recorded nationwide 2,723 are sexual assaults, 330 physical assaults, 514 pregnancies linked to abuse 2,179 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and 3,030 women and girls (99%) survivors compared to 25 men
The data underscores the overwhelming impact on women and girls, who account for nearly all reported survivors. Stakeholders at the launch described the figures as a wake-up call, urging stronger prevention efforts, survivor-centred services, and sustained national commitment to ending gender-based violence.
This the institution says is not just about numbers; it is about lives disrupted, dignity stolen, and communities in pain. The Rainbo Initiative and its partners emphasized that while progress has been made in raising awareness, the scale of the crisis demands coordinated national response, stronger accountability mechanisms, and expanded support systems for survivors.
