S T O R I E S O F I M PACT :
W A R U N I B O G A H A W A T T A
C O M M U N I T Y P O L I C I N G P R O G R A M
For the past 20 years , Waruni has been working at the Children ' s and Women ’ s Bureau at the Matara Police division ; she is currently the Inspector of Police and head of programs . Within her portfolio , Waruni focuses on child and abuse prevention strategies and support services for victims of violence . Her work spans from supporting victims through education and counselling to law enforcement , which includes dealing with repercussions for offenders . The Community Policing Program , in her opinion , addresses a gap in legal procedures such as the lack of support for victims of violence . She feels that the knowledge sharing that happens through programs like these are positive . She states the prevention of violence is the utmost importance : " We only have “ victims ” in post-violence acts . If there are preventative measures , there won ’ t be victims at all ." The programming reaches a number of people from women , police officers , coastal regions , divisions and school students . The program has allowed Waruni to gain key informants from the community including three-wheeler drivers and bus conductors . Since they are well integrated into the community and knowledgeable about street routes , they can also be positive advocates for violence prevention . The impact of this program has resulted in changing attitudes in the community , strengthens and stronger connection in community relationships , and more information shared on preventing violence . Waruni hopes that there will be a stop in these issues in the future ; she hopes that there ’ ll be an eradication of all kinds of abuses and violence everywhere .
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" We only have ' victims ' in the post-violence acts . If there are preventative measures , there won ’ t be victims at all ."