SAPS and hospital staff host a 16 Days of Activism dialogue
‘Don’t look away, unite and break the silence’ was the key discussion at the Life Suikerbos Hospital dialogue on December 4.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from November 25 (International Day of No Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).
During the 16 Days period, government, with civil society and the private sector, hosts a series of community and sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with gender-based violence (GBV).
Capt Thivhulawi Tshilate, from Heidelberg SAPS, was the guest speaker at Life Suikerbos Hospital during their dialogue session.
Samkelisiwe Mlambo, HR intern at the hospital, thanked Tshilate for coming to speak about the growing concern of GBV in South Africa and to show support to all the victims. He requested everyone to sing the national anthem.
Tshilate encouraged collaboration among professionals to assist victims. He emphasised the importance of reporting any form of violence or abuse and said any assault under domestic violence is an arrest.
Victims reporting the matter at the police station should be aware of their rights and can request to be assisted in a private room and in a language they are comfortable with.
“GBV is a pandemic in South Africa. Our women gave birth to our children. If you hurt a woman, you hurt a nation,” Tshilate said.
According to Stats SA, one in five women has experienced physical violence by a partner and South Africa is known to have the highest number of violence cases reported.
“Don’t look away, unite and break the silence. Men should be responsible leaders, protectors of our women and examples to our children,” Tshilate concluded.
Important contact numbers:
SAPS Heidelberg 016 341 0343
SAPS Emergency Line: 10111
SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111
Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150
Childline: 0800 055 555
