ABOUT THE TANZANIA POLICE FORCE GENDER AND CHILDREN’S DESKS
Gender based violence (GBV) can affect anyone at anytime regardless of their sex, age, ethnicity or socio-economic status. Children can also be victims of physical and sexual abuse and violence, including at home, at school and in the community.
Speak out! (Funguka!) – do not stay silent when GBV and child abuse happens. Go to your nearest Police Gender and Children’s Desk. You will find a Desk in every police station. At the Desk, the Police Officer will ask you to talk about what has happened. They have been trained to handle sensitive issues of GBV and child abuse – they are there to help you.
The Desk provides a confidential, comfortable and quiet space where you can talk about your experience. You may sometimes be asked questions that are difficult for you to answer. This may be uncomfortable or distressing but it is necessary for the Desk Officer to fully understand and record what has happened.
The Police will file a case and you will sign a statement on the Police Form 2A. If you have not already been to the hospital you will be given a Police Form 3 (PF3) to take to the hospital immediately. These forms are free. They allow the doctor to record physical evidence of what has happened to you for use in the investigation and at court.
However, if you require emergency medical assistance, you do not need to visit the Police Station first – seek medical help.
Once you have reported to the Gender and Children’s Desk, your case will be investigated. Desk officers will also try to put you in touch with services that can support you if you need help to recover or a safe place to stay, where these are available in the area.
