Togo passes new law against sexual violence against students

The National Assembly of Togo, in Lomé.

(illustration) Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

A new law to better fight against sexual violence in schools was adopted Monday, November 28 at the Togolese National Assembly.

The text puts in place preventive measures and sanctions against the perpetrators of sexual violence against learners, from primary school to university, and provides for the creation of a national observatory to monitor cases.

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Early and unwanted pregnancies, traumas, drop in school results are some of the consequences of

sexual violence

on learners, cited in the text of the law adopted by Togolese deputies.

The authorities also explain that invasions of privacy, fondling, sexual harassment, pedophilia and rape in educational institutions " 

negatively impact learners' studies and compromise their future

 ".

The new law will therefore strengthen the existing texts to guarantee an enabling environment for both girls and boys.

The law " 

protecting learners against sexual violence in Togo

 " provides for sanctions against their perpetrators.

In the event of pregnancy of the victim, for example, the author incurs a penalty ranging from 1 to 5 years in prison if the young girl is at least 16 years old, double if the victim is younger.

The Togolese authorities express their " 

desire for firmness and collective awareness

 " on this subject.

In addition to repressive measures, the text calls for support for victims and preventive actions: it provides in particular for the creation of a national observatory for the monitoring and evaluation of sexual violence. 

 Also to read and listen to: 

Zipporah Ndione: "We must denounce violence against women so that the laws apply"

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