“No Hit Is Small”: ActionAid Warns Liberian Women on Early Signs of Abuse at Day Long Campaign to End GBV
Calling on the Government to Fix the System to address GBV Nationwide
Hundreds of Liberian women and girls, under the campaign banner “We Are Unprotected,” gathered on Monday at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police. They petitioned the government to address systemic gaps and strengthen the fight against gender-based violence.
The one-day peaceful sit-in action, organized by the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia in collaboration with other civil society organizations, attracted a large turnout of women and HeForShe ambassadors. Participants called for justice for victims of gender-based violence, including women who have died as a result of abuse. They also raised concern over the recent unexplained death of a South African woman, Toni Jackson, who was found dead in her bedroom.
Following the presentation of the petition to the Police Inspector General, ActionAid Liberia’s Women’s Rights Manager, Markonee Knightley, addressed the gathering. She educated participants about early warning signs of gender-based violence and other forms of abuse, urging women to take action to protect themselves.
“No amount of hit is a small hit. It is always better to leave to live,” Knightley said. “Whenever you notice repeated verbal or physical abuse from a partner or anyone else, take it seriously.”
She stressed that warning signs of abuse should never be ignored. According to her, every loss of a woman’s life has far-reaching consequences for families, communities, and the nation.
In her further remarks, Knightley warned that emotional abuse often comes before physical violence. She noted that it can lead to serious mental health challenges, including depression and a loss of self-confidence.
Depression, Kinghtley told the audience can destroy a person’s life even before physical violence begins,” she said. “It can make a woman feel that she cannot survive on her own or accomplish anything by herself. That is why we must empower ourselves with knowledge, skills, and the courage to speak out.”
Knightley also cautioned women against remaining in abusive relationships solely for the sake of their children, noting that children who witness violence at home often carry those traumatic experiences into their own lives.
“Some women stay because of the children,” she explained. “But children also see what their mothers go through. They grow up witnessing violence and pain. We must change that narrative.”
She urged women to take action before situations escalate, emphasizing that leaving an abusive environment early can save lives.
“Do not wait until the situation becomes deadly,” Knightley cautioned. “If someone is constantly shouting at you, insulting you, or making you feel worthless, those are warning signs. Learn to walk away so that you can live to tell your story.”
Knightley further called on community members, civil society groups, and non-governmental organizations to continue supporting survivors through advocacy, counseling, and protection services.
The event brought together representatives from several women’s organizations National and international NGOs who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening support systems for survivors of gender-based violence across Liberia.
She noted that ending GBV requires collective action from government institutions, community leaders, and citizens alike.
Madam Markonee Knightley also called for increased awareness, stronger legal protections, and expanded access to support services for survivors, particularly in rural communities.
Closing her remarks, Knightley encouraged women to find their voices and take control of their futures.
“We must empower ourselves and our daughters,” she said. “Our voices matter, our lives matter, and our stories deserve to be told.”
The closing activities of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence ended with renewed calls for solidarity with survivors and stronger national efforts to combat gender-based violence in Liberia.
At the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Women of Liberia presented a petition to the government through the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Gregory W. Coleman, demanding a transparent investigation into the death of Mrs. Toni Jackson and stronger national action against gender-based violence (GBV).
Depression, Kinghtley told the audience can destroy a person’s life even before physical violence begins,” she said. “It can make a woman feel that she cannot survive on her own or accomplish anything by herself. That is why we must empower ourselves with knowledge, skills, and the courage to speak out.”
Knightley also cautioned women against remaining in abusive relationships solely for the sake of their children, noting that children who witness violence at home often carry those traumatic experiences into their own lives.
“Some women stay because of the children,” she explained. “But children also see what their mothers go through. They grow up witnessing violence and pain. We must change that narrative.”
She urged women to take action before situations escalate, emphasizing that leaving an abusive environment early can save lives.
“Do not wait until the situation becomes deadly,” Knightley cautioned. “If someone is constantly shouting at you, insulting you, or making you feel worthless, those are warning signs. Learn to walk away so that you can live to tell your story.”
Knightley further called on community members, civil society groups, and non-governmental organizations to continue supporting survivors through advocacy, counseling, and protection services.
The event brought together representatives from several women’s organizations National and international NGOs who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening support systems for survivors of gender-based violence across Liberia.
She noted that ending GBV requires collective action from government institutions, community leaders, and citizens alike.
Madam Markonee Knightley also called for increased awareness, stronger legal protections, and expanded access to support services for survivors, particularly in rural communities.
Closing her remarks, Knightley encouraged women to find their voices and take control of their futures.
“We must empower ourselves and our daughters,” she said. “Our voices matter, our lives matter, and our stories deserve to be told.”
The closing activities of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence ended with renewed calls for solidarity with survivors and stronger national efforts to combat gender-based violence in Liberia.
At the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Women of Liberia presented a petition to the government through the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Gregory W. Coleman, demanding a transparent investigation into the death of Mrs. Toni Jackson and stronger national action against gender-based violence (GBV).
ActionAid Liberia
The petition, presented Monday in Monrovia by members of the Women of Liberia and other civil society advocates, calls for justice in the suspected homicide of Mrs. Jackson, a South African national and the wife of Liberian economist Samuel Jackson.
According to them Reports indicate that the Liberia National Police has declared Mr. Jackson a person of interest in the ongoing homicide investigation following the discovery of a deep laceration on the victim’s head and multiple bruises on her body.
The women noted that Mr. Jackson’s public statements surrounding the incident have raised concerns during a live stream on social media, as he was seen while armed officers conducted a forensic search of his residence.
They also pointed to what they described as shifting explanations from Mr. Jackson initially suggesting the death resulted from a fall and later referencing previous altercations within the relationship.
Women’s rights groups say these developments have intensified fears that the case may be linked to domestic violence.
“This tragic death has raised serious questions that must be answered,” one advocate said during the petition presentation. “We need a transparent investigation so that justice is served and the truth is known.”
The protest and petition coincided with global discussions on women’s rights as world leaders gathered in New York for the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), which focuses on strengthening access to justice for women and girls.
The Women described the situation as a painful reminder that while global leaders debate justice and equality, many women and girls in Liberia continue to face violence and limited protection.
“We are here because we cannot remain silent,” the women declared. “While leaders gather at international conferences discussing justice for women, Liberian women are still protesting for their basic rights and protection.
They highlighted national and international assessments indicating that a significant number of Liberian women experience violence during their lifetime.
They argued that many incidents remain unreported due to fear, stigma, and limited trust in the justice system.
They also cited challenges within the country’s response mechanisms, including limited survivor support services, weak forensic capacity, and inadequate training for some law enforcement personnel handling gender-based violence cases.
“When survivors go to the police, they often encounter difficulties,” an activist explained. “Some officers lack the specialized skills needed to investigate gender-based violence cases effectively. That is why the system must be strengthened.”
In a joint petition statement presented to the Liberian Government, through the Liberia National Police Liberian women outlined several key demands.
First, they called for an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into Mrs. Jackson’s death, including regular public updates from the police.
They also urged the Ministry of Justice and the courts to ensure fair prosecution if evidence supports criminal charges, emphasizing that no individual should be above the law.
Additionally, the women demanded the full implementation of Liberia’s Domestic Violence Law, particularly provisions requiring protection orders and coordinated referrals for survivors.
The women further called on lawmakers to expedite the establishment of a specialized family court in Liberia to handle cases involving domestic violence and other family-related matters with trained professionals.
They also urged the government to pass additional legislation protecting women and children while strengthening prevention, protection, and prosecution mechanisms for gender-based violence cases.
Key demand focused on expanding survivor services across the country. V called for increased funding and broader geographic access to medical care, psychological counseling, legal aid, and shelter services, especially in rural communities where support systems remain limited.
“Women in rural areas deserve the same protection and services,” the petitioners stated. “They must know where to report abuse and have confidence that the system will respond.”
The group also stressed the need for improved public awareness about reporting mechanisms so that victims and community members understand how and where to seek help.
Despite the grief surrounding the case, the Women said their demonstration was not only about one victim but about the broader struggle for justice for all survivors of gender-based violence in Liberia.
Before concluding the petition presentation, the women expressed solidarity with survivors and victims.
“We stand with all women who have experienced violence,” the advocates declared. “Some did not survive it, but those who did and those who are still suffering must know they are not alone.”
They ended their statement with a renewed call for justice in the death of Toni Jackson and for stronger national action to protect women and girls.
“Justice for Toni Jackson,” the women chanted. “Justice for all survivors.”
According to them Reports indicate that the Liberia National Police has declared Mr. Jackson a person of interest in the ongoing homicide investigation following the discovery of a deep laceration on the victim’s head and multiple bruises on her body.
The women noted that Mr. Jackson’s public statements surrounding the incident have raised concerns during a live stream on social media, as he was seen while armed officers conducted a forensic search of his residence.
They also pointed to what they described as shifting explanations from Mr. Jackson initially suggesting the death resulted from a fall and later referencing previous altercations within the relationship.
Women’s rights groups say these developments have intensified fears that the case may be linked to domestic violence.
“This tragic death has raised serious questions that must be answered,” one advocate said during the petition presentation. “We need a transparent investigation so that justice is served and the truth is known.”
The protest and petition coincided with global discussions on women’s rights as world leaders gathered in New York for the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), which focuses on strengthening access to justice for women and girls.
The Women described the situation as a painful reminder that while global leaders debate justice and equality, many women and girls in Liberia continue to face violence and limited protection.
“We are here because we cannot remain silent,” the women declared. “While leaders gather at international conferences discussing justice for women, Liberian women are still protesting for their basic rights and protection.
They highlighted national and international assessments indicating that a significant number of Liberian women experience violence during their lifetime.
They argued that many incidents remain unreported due to fear, stigma, and limited trust in the justice system.
They also cited challenges within the country’s response mechanisms, including limited survivor support services, weak forensic capacity, and inadequate training for some law enforcement personnel handling gender-based violence cases.
“When survivors go to the police, they often encounter difficulties,” an activist explained. “Some officers lack the specialized skills needed to investigate gender-based violence cases effectively. That is why the system must be strengthened.”
In a joint petition statement presented to the Liberian Government, through the Liberia National Police Liberian women outlined several key demands.
First, they called for an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into Mrs. Jackson’s death, including regular public updates from the police.
They also urged the Ministry of Justice and the courts to ensure fair prosecution if evidence supports criminal charges, emphasizing that no individual should be above the law.
Additionally, the women demanded the full implementation of Liberia’s Domestic Violence Law, particularly provisions requiring protection orders and coordinated referrals for survivors.
The women further called on lawmakers to expedite the establishment of a specialized family court in Liberia to handle cases involving domestic violence and other family-related matters with trained professionals.
They also urged the government to pass additional legislation protecting women and children while strengthening prevention, protection, and prosecution mechanisms for gender-based violence cases.
Key demand focused on expanding survivor services across the country. V called for increased funding and broader geographic access to medical care, psychological counseling, legal aid, and shelter services, especially in rural communities where support systems remain limited.
“Women in rural areas deserve the same protection and services,” the petitioners stated. “They must know where to report abuse and have confidence that the system will respond.”
The group also stressed the need for improved public awareness about reporting mechanisms so that victims and community members understand how and where to seek help.
Despite the grief surrounding the case, the Women said their demonstration was not only about one victim but about the broader struggle for justice for all survivors of gender-based violence in Liberia.
Before concluding the petition presentation, the women expressed solidarity with survivors and victims.
“We stand with all women who have experienced violence,” the advocates declared. “Some did not survive it, but those who did and those who are still suffering must know they are not alone.”
They ended their statement with a renewed call for justice in the death of Toni Jackson and for stronger national action to protect women and girls.
“Justice for Toni Jackson,” the women chanted. “Justice for all survivors.”
ActionAid Liberia
In receiving the petition, Inspector General of Police, Col. Gregory W. Coleman, acknowledged the petition, noting the Liberia national police has already swiftly and professionally began investigating the death of Toni Jackson.
He added that it is against this backdrop that autopsy is currently being conducted on her remains. Gregory however point one challenge that continue to hinder the fight against GBV point to the fact most GBV efforts led in Liberia are often time funded by the donor communities, noting that as soon as funding stops, GBV mechanism or efforts weekend.
“We realized the fact that a lot of the burden on GBV issues has been left on donor funded projects and as a result of the closure of the project, the gap has become evident that indeed there is a problem.” The inspector Gener began in his response as saying.
He then informed the women that the government of Liberia has therefore began prioritizing and re-shifting so that the money go towards where the problems are.
He further disclosed that GBV is being included in Liberia’s National Security Strategy and the Liberia National Police Strategic Plan which runs from 2026 throughout 2030.
He added that it is against this backdrop that autopsy is currently being conducted on her remains. Gregory however point one challenge that continue to hinder the fight against GBV point to the fact most GBV efforts led in Liberia are often time funded by the donor communities, noting that as soon as funding stops, GBV mechanism or efforts weekend.
“We realized the fact that a lot of the burden on GBV issues has been left on donor funded projects and as a result of the closure of the project, the gap has become evident that indeed there is a problem.” The inspector Gener began in his response as saying.
He then informed the women that the government of Liberia has therefore began prioritizing and re-shifting so that the money go towards where the problems are.
He further disclosed that GBV is being included in Liberia’s National Security Strategy and the Liberia National Police Strategic Plan which runs from 2026 throughout 2030.
ActionAid Liberia