To understand the reasons why so many cases are withdrawn, the Gender Research and Advocacy Project of the Legal Assistance Centre conducted a study on this topic. Over a year in the making, this study provides detailed information about the reasons behind rape case withdrawals.

In order to gain a broad understanding of the problem, the Legal Assistance Centre collected information from six different regions by means of focus group discussions, community member interviews and key informant interviews. The goal of the study was to better understand rape complaint withdrawal, and to develop recommendations which could respond to some of the issues raised.

The 10 most common reasons for the withdrawal of rape complaints have been identified and the study concludes with a range of recommendations aimed at reducing the external pressures which may interfere with victims’ exercise of free choice to decide whether or not to continue with their cases.

Read Withdrawn: Why Complainants Withdraw Rape Cases in Namibia

Read an article from out archives (2009): Withdrawing a rape case - Are you making the right decision

Read more about the LAC's Work on Combating Rape
http://www.lac.org.na/projects/grap/graprape.html