The police have recorded more than 4,400 cases of gender-based violence between April 2024 and February this year.
Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo revealed the statistics at a high-level stakeholders meeting at Swakopmund aimed at strengthening the National Gender-Based Violence Information Management System.
Although the system is considered a key tool for addressing gender-based violence, it is fragmented, underutilised and reactive.
Integrated statistics, according to the stakeholders, can track cases, allocate resources, hold perpetrators accountable, and empower survivors.
The police chief, who expressed shock over the number of GBV cases reported in 11 months, said the system in its current form hinders timely and coordinated interventions.
"Reliable, comprehensive and timely data is a powerful weapon in our fight against GBV. It allows us to track patterns, identify gaps and allocate resources where they are needed the most. It tells us which interventions are working and which are not working, and it gives voice through evidence to those who are often silenced by fear, stigma or shame."
Erongo Governor Neville Andre stressed that the current information system must be modernised and integrated to make an impact.
"This meeting must result in clear commitments, timelines and technical solutions. Let us challenge ourselves not only to improve systems but also to improve lives. Let us go beyond consultation to implementation. And let us ensure no Namibian, man, woman or child ever feels unsafe in their home, community or country."
The Namibia Statistics Agency will coordinate the initiative which is aimed at empowering stakeholders to respond with accuracy to GBV.
"Data is not just about numbers; it's about people. Every statistic represents a person, a mother, a daughter, a son, a survivor, a community. Our collective action must therefore be rooted in compassion but informed by credible data and statistics," said Statistician General Alex Shimuafeni.
The NSA will further integrate the GBV information system into the national statistics and provide technical support.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo announced financial and technical support for the initiative.