The country that had declared national emergency due to sexual violence

Julius Maada Bio said anyone found guilty of sexual violence against minors will face life imprisonment.

A third of the over 8 thousand cases of sexual violence, and due to gender, reported in Sierra Leone last year, were to minors.

The exact number is thought to be even higher, but generally in the West African country, it's taboo to talk about sexual kidnappings.

“We, as a country, should rise and strike this serious wound”, President Bio said when announcing emergency.

He said government hospitals will offer free medical treatment to victims of rape and sexual abuse.

In addition, Bio said a separate division for victims of rape and sexual violence and a special court would be set up to address these cases quickly.