Victims of abuse urged to speak out
MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko calls on parents to look-out for early signs of bullying in their children.
Kwatsaduza – The MMC for Health and Social Development, Jennifer Glover, has called on victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and those who witness it to speak out.
She was speaking during the commemoration of 16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children in Rabasotho Community Hall.
She said government, community and all the stakeholders must join hands to fight this pandemic of violence against women and children.
“We cannot always talk about this matter and then do nothing about it, we all have to play a positive role in fighting this scourge.
“We need to maximise the opportunities and support structures that are available to us by NPOs and all spheres of government – mainly the customer care centres, police services, social workers and clinics.
“We are appealing to members of the public to also make use of the services offered at women’s shelters,” she added.
The MMC explained that the metro has social workers readily available to assist those in distress at all customer care centres, adding that social workers can also be found at the 77 clinics across the city.
READ MORE: Rata holds march for 16 Days of Activism and HIV/Aids Day
Gauteng MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko advised parents of boy children to be on the lookout for early signs of bullying.
“Children who are raised in violent relationships are likely to be abusers themselves when they grow up.
“According to latest reports, Ekurhuleni is among the leading areas when it comes to GBV incidents in the province,” she said.
Nkomo-Ralehoko added that the province also has programmes that are tailor-made to help and empower survivors of GBV at all provincial clinics.
