Gender-based violence (GBV) remains an alarming reality in Senegal, and the figures for sexual violence are particularly worrying. According to the 2017 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), 8% of women aged 15 to 49 report having experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. Even more alarming, 62% of these acts are attributed to the husband or current partner. These data reveal a disturbing truth: danger does not come solely from public spaces, but often from the intimate circle, where victims should feel safe.

Abdoulaye Ndione, a psychologist at the Adolescent Health Department, highlights the seriousness of this silent crisis: "The home, which is supposed to be a space of protection, becomes a place of trauma for many women. This repeated sexual violence leaves deep psychological scars, compromising the victims' mental balance, self-esteem, and ability to plan for the future."

He adds: "The health consequences are numerous: psychological disorders, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, physical injuries and social isolation. In sub-Saharan Africa, GBV is a major cause of maternal mortality, with a ratio of 500 deaths per 100,000 live births."

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this situation. Restrictions and lockdowns have led to a significant increase in domestic violence.

According to the Association of Senegalese Lawyers (AJS), the proportion of women victims of violence increased from 43.8% before the health crisis to 56.2% during the pandemic. Faced with this reality, experts are calling for the strengthening of prevention and protection mechanisms. For Abdoulaye Ndione, the priorities are clear: "We must break the silence, deconstruct the social norms that trivialize this violence, and guarantee victims appropriate psychological and medical support."