Community stands up to gender-based violence
The reason for this march was to make people aware of the seriousness of gender-based violence in the community and the impact it has on people, especially women and children.
Community members joined forces in March and embarked on a march from the Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Kensington to the Cleveland Police Station in a stance against gender-based violence. The march was supported by residents, Cleveland Community Police Forum, Night Guard Security Company, councillors Carlos Da Rocha and Neuren Pietersen and the Cleveland SAPS.
The reason for this march was to make people aware of the seriousness of gender-based violence in the community and the impact it has on people, especially women and children.
Carlin April and Leanne Foo, the organisers, wanted to send a clear message to the people who are involved in gender-based violence.
“We want people to stop crimes against women and children because this has a huge negative effect on the victim’s life,” said April.
The march started at the church and continued up Queen Street to the Cleveland Police Station, where April addressed residents about this social ill and thanked them for supporting the march.
Chairperson of the CPF Muhammed Ismail, Pietersen and Sgt Olga Monwana addressed the community about gender-based violence and the importance of reporting it to the police.
Liesel Walker Hornby urged victims of all crimes to visit the Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC).
Residents had the opportunity to visit the centre on the day.
“The VEC plays a very important role to help victims of gender-based crimes and other serious crimes. Every victim we talk to is strictly dealt with confidentiality and professionalism,” Walker Hornby said.
Call the centre on 073 710 6262.
