Gender-based violence in Cameroon: response techniques proposed by LEFE

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The League for the Education of Women and Children (Lefe) denounces the resurgence of femicides, indicates warning signs, and demands the adoption of laws to address the phenomenon.

The situation is alarming. Eight women killed in eight days, more than 60 during the year 2026. 1,599 cases of gender-based violence including 166 rapes recorded between January and April 2026. Lefe describes the situation as a national crime in a recent plea. The non-governmental organization reactivates its defense position in favor of women and reopens avenues leading to both preventive and repressive solutions.

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Faced with the worsening situation and against which a wave of indignation intermittently blows, the organization indicates some warning signs as preventive measures that alert to the imminence of violence. Death threats, threats of child abduction, strangulation even without marks, availability of weapons, intensification of violence, blows during pregnancy, forced sexual intercourse, stalking or surveillance, recent separation indicate a high or immediate danger. This scenario requires immediate measures from the victim.

Other signs such as isolation from family and friends, control of phone and money, humiliations, extreme jealousy, or prohibition to work should be taken into consideration before the perpetrator goes further. To those facing these behaviors that trigger the alert, Lefe recommends seeking shelter, avoiding confronting the adversary alone, and having the violence documented to preserve evidence.

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Beyond these individual measures to be taken in case of warning signs, the fight against violence is a collective matter. Lefe also proposes the adoption of a law against femicide and violence against women and children. Legislation providing for victim protection measures within 24 hours. To this law, the organization proposes associating the code of persons and family whose adoption has been awaited for 20 years. This code will guarantee equality in marriage, property, inheritance, and child custody.

The series of proposals also refers to mobilizing a dedicated budget to facilitate the implementation of these texts. The set of measures guides decision-makers by inviting them to move from condemning acts of violence to concrete action.

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