Edenvale entities take stand against GBV
It doesn’t matter if we start as 10 or a few thousand; it needs to start with us.
Stakeholders and community members rallied together when they participated in a march to create greater awareness about GBV.
Organised by the NPO You Are Not Alone Women and Family Centre (YANAWFC), the 5km march was held on April 16.
They were Joined by Edenvale SAPS, Edenvale CPF, the City of Ekurhuleni, EMPD, child welfare, security companies and community members.
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Starting from Edenvale Police Station, the march took participants through Edenvale CBD, to the taxi rank and back to the police station.
During the march, pamphlets highlighting GBV were distributed to community members before a memorandum was handed over to Edenvale Police Station.
Edenvale SAPS communications officer Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile said the memorandum, which saw the joining of forces between the community and the police, was handed to Colonel Ntombomzi Edith Basholo who was accompanied by Edenvale’s Vispol commander Lieutenant Colonel Shadrack Magcuntsu.
“Putting an end to the GBV starts with you. It doesn’t matter if we start as 10 or thousands. It needs to start with us,” said Magcuntsu.
Nthabiseng Masuka, of YANAWFC explained that despite the services which the NPO and the police offer, GBV remains a problem.
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“People shouldn’t be silent. They need to open up so that they can receive the help that they need.
“We hosted the march to create awareness about rape, GBV, domestic violence sexual abuse and harassment.”
Masuka said although the NPO tries to assist where it can, statistics and the number of persons seeking help from YANAWFC are still high.
She said by highlighting GBV the NPO hopes to be able to help more people.
“Our services are not limited to a specific gender; they are free. Community members only need to speak out to receive assistance.”
Fellow YANAWFC member Mpho Kekana said although the number of GBV and domestic violence complaints in Edenvale are less when compared to neighbouring towns she said the biggest challenge is complainants not following through with their cases.
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She pleaded with those who needed assistance to follow their case to the end.
“We know it can be daunting but at YANAWFC we offer emotional, physical and mental support.”
For more information, visit www.youarenotalonewfc.co.za
