The Reiger Park SAPS encouraged residents of Reiger Park and Joe Slovo to report incidences of abuse, gender-based violence (GBV) and rape during its 16 Days Of Activism against Gender-Based Violence initiative on November 17.
They partnered with Thusang Community Development, Women as Safety Promoter (WASP), Reiger Park Ekupholeni Mental Health and Trauma Centre, FAMSA, Ekurhuleni social development and CPF patrollers.
Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Constable Johannes Msimanga said there are increasing cases of GBV, abuse and rape in their policing precinct and that the purpose of the initiative is to educate and inform people.
“We want people to know that both men and women can be victims of GBV and that there are places to find help. One such place is the Victim Support Centre at our police station where a victim can seek assistance during the early stages of an incident.
The police distributed 1 500 GBV educational pamphlets to the community.
Thusang Community Development founder Lufuno Mudzuli said they took part in the campaign because they want to eradicate abuse in Reiger Park and surrounding areas.
“We intend to educate the community and change the mindsets of offenders. People believe that men are the only perpetrators of GBV, but sometimes men are victims too.
“We want to also take this opportunity to encourage men to report abuse to the police,” he said.
He added their organisation, which helps fight social ills in Reiger Park, needs donations of food, toiletries and clothing.
Contact Lufuno on 071 675 8555 if you can help.
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