There is a high incidence of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in Sri Lanka. In 2022, 1391 incidents of statutory rape (rape of girls under the age of 16 years), and 257 incidents of rape (rape of women above the age of 16 years) were reported to the Police. There have also been several reports of conflict-related sexual violence. From January to March 2024 the special unit established in the Bureau for the Prevention of Abuse of Children and Women of Sri Lanka Police received a total of 1,077 complaints related to incidents of abuse, violence and harassment against women and children, through the hotline number ‘109.’
Research on sexual violence in Sri Lanka indicates, however, that the actual incidence of SGBV in Sri Lanka is higher than those reported to the Police. While there are many reasons for non-reporting, research on SGBV and discussions with survivors highlight gaps in the practical procedures a survivor has to follow, and a lack of awareness regarding these procedures.
These guidelines are meant for a) victim-survivors of sexual and gender based violence, b) the police who record the complaint, c) the Judicial Medical Officers who conduct the medical examination and d) the Befriender/Human Rights lawyer or organization who will provide support to the survivor. The guidelines are in 4 sections for the benefit of these 4 different groups. They provide a quick reference to the complaint, medical and legal process.
- Guidelines on the Complaint Process for SGBV – Judicial Medical Officer
- Guidelines on the Complaint Process for SGBV – Survivor
- Guidelines on the Complaint Process for SGBV – Befriender
- Guidelines on the Complaint Process for SGBV – The Police
Published by the Gender Justice & Security Research Hub in collaboration with the Women & Media Collective.