Violence Against Women
Source: The Citizen
As part of the 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children campaign, male members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) today led a walk aimed at raising awareness in respect of crimes against women and children.
At 09:00 this morning the walk commenced from Ramapudu Street towards the Stanza Bopape Sports Ground in Mamelodi East and formed part of the closing event of the official SAPS campaign. After completion of the walk the SAPS held a dialogue with community members and organisations working with victims of crimes.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children campaign in South Africa with the theme "Count me in: Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward".
During this year's campaign, which commenced on 27 November 2014, the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted Operation Basadi in all Provinces. These operations were led by women in blue and focused on crimes against women and children. The operations included but were not limited to the following:
- Conducting road blocks;
- Stop and search operations;
- Prioritizing of dockets of most wanted criminals who committed sexual offences;
- Conducting imbizo's and door-to-door visits raising awareness on crimes against women and Children;
- Visiting hot spots.
Furthermore, working in collaboration with the TMPD, an intensified focus in the Mamelodi area entailed raising awareness of the objectives of the 16 Days of Activism campaign and stop-and-search operations which also formed part of the festive season operations.
Successes included the following: Five suspects were arrested for being in possession of dagga, one for theft from/out of a motor vehicle, one for general theft, one for illegally dealing in liquor and one for armed robbery. Twenty undocumented persons were arrested and 64 traffic fines were issued. Twenty-two knives, 130 DVDs, 23,2 g of dagga and one vehicle were seized.
Although the SAPS strive to have all people in South Africa being and feeling safe, it can only be achieved when community members work together with the SAPS to promote and protect the rights of all vulnerable groups; women, children, persons with disabilities, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Trans-gender and Inter-Sex (LGBTI) community. Particularly boys and men need to avail themselves and say "count me in" to take a stand against the abuse of women and children. It is the responsibility of each and every individual to protect the vulnerable in our midst.
This campaign needs to become a reality in our communities where all people in South Africa are and feel safe 365 days of the year. Someone, somewhere, somehow knows something about crime in their area and if crime is not reported, perpetrators will continue abusing, raping and murdering. Knowing about a crime and not reporting it can do as much harm as committing the act.
Alerting the police to any suspicion of wrong-doing is the first step. The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units are dedicated to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual offences and harassment. There are officials at these units who receive on-going and specialised training to investigate crimes that are prevalent amongst vulnerable groups.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Riah Phiyega concluded her address with the following: "As we approach a new year, let us continue to deepen and strengthen our relations and collaboration between government and non-governmental organisations, CPFs, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations, traditional leadership and healers, as well as the business sector, to make South Africa a safe and free country for all its citizens."
Seek help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abusive to your partner and/or children. Call the Stop Gender-Based Violence Helpline (0800 150 150) and also continue to report crime or any suspicious activity to Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send an sms to Crime Line at 32211. You may remain anonymous.