The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has strongly condemned the violent assault and public humiliation of a woman who was allegedly attacked by a group of men over her choice of clothing.
According to the Ministry, the woman was forcefully pulled from a motorcycle, stripped naked, and subjected to degrading treatment in public by the attackers. The Ministry described the incident as a “criminal act” and a serious violation of the victim’s human rights and dignity.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry rejected claims that the assault was an act of “cultural correction” or moral enforcement, stressing that no individual or group has the authority to violently police another person’s body, clothing, or personal freedom. The Ministry classified the incident as gender-based violence and sexual assault, emphasizing that violence against women can never be justified under cultural, social, or personal beliefs.
“We are deeply concerned by the growing tendency to blame victims instead of condemning perpetrators,” the statement said, adding that questions about a woman’s clothing should never overshadow the actions of those who chose violence and humiliation.
The Ministry also condemned individuals who filmed, cheered, or defended the attack, warning that silence and complicity contribute to a culture of violence and impunity against women and girls across Liberia.
Authorities are now calling on the Liberia National Police to immediately identify, arrest, and prosecute all individuals involved in the assault, including persons captured in videos circulating on social media or identified through witness accounts.
The Ministry further urged women’s rights organizations, civil society groups, youth organizations, religious leaders, and the general public to speak out against violence targeting women and girls. It emphasized that Liberian women and girls must be allowed to move freely, work, dress, and live without fear of harassment, assault, or public humiliation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry disclosed that efforts have been intensified to establish contact with the victim as part of ongoing efforts to ensure justice, accountability, and protection for women and girls throughout the country.
At the same time, latest report disclosed that about 11 persons who participated in the violent assault and public humiliation of a woman who was allegedly attacked by a group of men over her choice of clothing have been arrested by the Liberia National Police and are said to be undergoing investigation.
