(Monrovia, Liberia, August 11, 2025) – As part of ongoing commitment to strengthening Liberia’s national response to gender-based violence (GBV), the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has commenced its Quarterly Refresher Training for operators of the National GBV 116 Call Center, with support from the World Bank.
The refresher training brings together 27 persons comprising of GBV call center staff and key Ministry personnel from across Liberia for an intensive capacity-building session aimed at enhancing service delivery, improving survivor-centered approaches, and reinforcing ethical practices in handling sensitive GBV cases.
The training focused on several critical areas:
•Improving GBV call center etiquette and professionalism to ensure survivors receive compassionate and responsive service;
•Updating knowledge on GBV prevention, intervention, and reporting mechanisms, aligning operators with current national protocols and global best practices;
•Strengthening referral pathways to facilitate access to justice, medical services, and protection for survivors;
•Enhancing remote psychosocial counseling skills, equipping staff to provide trauma-informed support;
•Ensuring ethical data collection and management, with emphasis on confidentiality, survivor safety, and informed consent;
•Fostering collaboration between call center operators and key Ministry divisions, promoting a united front in the national fight against GBV.
Speaking at the opening of the training, Madam Bennietta Jarbo, Director of GBV Division, “the goal is to ensure that every survivor who calls the 116 hotline is met with professionalism, empathy, and access to the services they need. These quarterly refresher trainings are essential to maintaining the highest standard of GBV response across the country.”
The 116 GBV Call Center has become a critical national resource, offering confidential and toll-free support to survivors of gender-based violence. However, as cases become increasingly complex, ongoing training is vital to ensure that call center operators remain well-equipped to manage evolving challenges with skill and sensitivity.
With continued investment in staff development, the Ministry aims to transform the National 116 GBV Call Center into a regional model for effective GBV response, rooted in ethics, survivor dignity, and professional care. By integrating modern communication tools, strengthening partnerships, and deepening the expertise of frontline responders, the Ministry is building a resilient system that ensures unhindered access to justice, healthcare, and protection services for every survivor.
Moving forward, the Ministry remains committed to upholding best practices in GBV intervention, promoting survivor-centered approaches, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration across government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners.
MoGCSP applauds the World Bank for its continued support, and calls on all stakeholders and the citizenry to make use of the 116 tool free number, and report all forms of violence. This effort will help in building a Liberia free from violence, where every individual, regardless of gender, can live in safety and dignity.
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For more information about the GBV 116 Call Center or Ministry activities, please contact:
The Communication Unit
Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection
Tel: 231-886-924-412 / WhatsApp: 231-777-993-999
