YOUNG Women Christian Association (YWCA) is impressed with the increasing number of Gender Based Violence cases being reported to the centre following the formulation of the gender policy and law against women.

YWCA finance and administration officer Marrieta Hamakule said yesterday that city that more than 16 cases were reported in the last two months compared to less than 10 cases previously

"For example the association received 16 cases in July which were still being processed compared to June which recorded 12 cases," Ms Hamakule said.

Reported cases included five females and five male cases as compared to June where nine cases were reported by females and three by males. Ms Hamakule said it was impressive that even men had developed the courage to report cases.

"The increase in the number of cases is as a result of the law against women which had now been modified and made possible for them to become courageous and report cases of gender based violence to the YWCA," Ms Hamakule said.

She said her association would continue to encourage young people who were sexually abused to report to the police and other groups such as YWCA that could be helpful to them. Ms Hamakule, however, said lack of resources and funds was affecting education programmes. She appealed to residents to ensure that all gender cases were not hidden as was the case in the past.