The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) joined in the opening activities for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, which commenced on 25 November 2015.The campaign is a global campaign dedicated to ending gender-based violence. It runs each year from the 25 November ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women’ until the 10 December, ‘Human Rights Day’.Activities commenced with a parade from the Honiara City Council to the Art Gallery Grounds. A larger representation of RSIPF officers marched in the parade, which included the Commissioner, RSIPF Executive, non-commissioned officers and recruits. They were followed by members of the RAMSI Participating Police Force, and officers from the Solomon Islands Correctional Services, as well as a large number of government, community groups and non-government organisations.The Commissioner of the RSIPF, Frank Prendergast, delivered the opening remarks to those who attended.He indicated that gender-based violence is a problem that seriously impacts not only on the individual, but also on the community and nation as a whole.The Commissioner provided some statistics from the RSIPF, which indicate that to date this year the RSIPF is on track to record 1000 cases of Family violence in 2015 alone. This figure is all the more staggering when one realises that figure comprises data mainly from Honiara and its surrounds, and we know that there is endemic under reporting of this issue. Overwhelmingly the victims of these incidents are female and the perpetrators are male. From the start of January to the end of October 2015 the RSIPF have recorded 798 cases of Family Violence. In 796 of those cases the perpetrator was male.He highlighted the importance of all stakeholders working together in the fight to end family and gender based violence and to take a multi-sectorial approach rather than working in silos. The RSIPF has close relationships with a number of stakeholders who assist with enforcement and support to survivors of violence, including Seif Ples, the Christian Care Centre, the Family Support Centre, the Honiara City Council, the National Referral Hospital to mention a few. The RSIPF is stepping up our efforts to combat the problem. In addition to very active community engagement and awareness programs we are actively preparing for and supporting the implementation of the Family Protection Act. The RSIPF’s Sexual Assault Squad has a primary responsibility of responding to sexual assaults and the investigation of major sexual assault offences provided under the Penal Code. The Sexual Assault Unit has noted that most victims are young girls of the age of 18 and below; some as young as three (3) years old. Most offenders are adult males between 30 and 50 years of age; mostly known to and trusted by the victims.Sadly, this year, the National Crime Investigations Department of the RSIPF have recorded a total of eight (8) women, including a nine (9) year old girl who have lost their lives as a result of Domestic/Family Violence and other physical acts of violence.The Commissioner stated ‘men need to speak out against violence against women and that if we are to win this fight, men must take the lead. All good men must take a stand against this violence and refuse to turn a blind eye to what is occurring in their family, their community, their province or their country. They must be supporters of change, and take active steps so change can happen. They must not make excuses for other men who perpetrate violence.’The RSIPF Community Policing team and other areas are supporting the remainder of the campaign program and look forward to discussing the issue of Gender- based and Family Violence with attendees and can provide a range of material to those who visit.The RSIPF will also continue to educate and inform communities about domestic violence and the support services available to survivors of domestic violence. This includes through our website and through engagement with the communities and stakeholders as part of the RSIPF Crime prevention Strategy. A copy of the Commissioners Opening Address is available on the RSIPF website at http://www.rsipf.gov.sb/?q=publications