Savè – Surge in gender-based violence: more than 600 early pregnancies in one year
The figures published in Savè by the departmental Directorate of Social Affairs on gender-based violence reveal a worrying situation.
Between January 2024 and December 2025, 614 early pregnancies and 38 rapes of minors were recorded in the municipality. Among the victims were 20 girls aged 10 to 14, 13 adolescents aged 15 to 17, 4 children aged 4 to 9, and even a little girl under 4.
For Geneviève Kadoukpè Arawo, departmental director of Social Affairs, these “chilling” statistics reflect a major social emergency. Together with Inès Fatokoun, GBV focal point for the Collines, she is calling for an immediate strengthening of prevention, awareness-raising and protection measures.
This alert comes as the ABMS’s national awareness campaign, carried out in partnership with the APMS, is underway to support the government’s efforts for a safer environment for women and girls.
Discussions highlighted the multiple forms of gender-based violence, namely sexual, physical and socio-economic violence, and their dramatic consequences for social cohesion.
For Venance Tonongbé, president of APMS-Bénin, these acts “dehumanize our society.” Professor Yvette Onibon, director of the NGO YOD, sees them as a sign of moral erosion and a lack of understanding of local cultural values.
To break the silence and provide rapid assistance to victims, ABMS reminded people of the toll-free, confidential hotline 7344, available in several national languages.
This line offers support, guidance and referrals to the Single Social Protection Desks (GUPS) for appropriate care.
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