“Break the silence and report abuse against women and children” is the message from the Putfontein SAPS in the build-up to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, which kicks off on November 25 and runs to December 10.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the negative impact of violence against women and children on all members of the community.
Putfontein SAPS spokesperson Sgt Raider Ubisi said it is important to encourage female victims to talk about abuse and ensure they get help.
According to him, most abuse seems to be triggered by alcohol, drugs, unemployment and insecurities.
“Most people who use drugs and alcohol became abusers,” he said.
“Society needs to acknowledge that violence against women and children is not a government or criminal justice system problem, but a societal problem, and when we fail to view it as such results in all efforts fail to eradicate this scourge in our communities.”
Ubisi said residents can assist the police by attending their regular gatherings (imbizos), where talks on gender-based violence are given for victims and the general public.
In terms of the Domestic Violence Act, abuse could be emotional, physical and financial.
“Report any form of abuse, whether you’re a neighbour or family member, you can report it anonymously. Remember, keeping quiet while witnessing a crime can land you in jail.
“Report anything to the SAPS or the social workers – allow the message of abuse to get out there.”
He added the more perpertrators are exposed, the quicker the police can apprehend and sentence them, thus ridding the community of these wrongdoers.
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