Police raise awareness about abuse
Heidelberg SAPS visited the Lesedi Community Centre as part of the 16 Days for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
Const Doris Nkosi, corporate communications officer from Heidelberg SAPS, and the Victim Empowerment Unit of Ratanda SAPS recently visited Lesedi Community Centre.
The visit was aimed at reminding and educating community members who are living in shelters about the 16 Days for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
Nkosi said that they understand that people living in these shelters have limited resources to enable them to know what is happening in their surroundings.
She further stated that the lack of media access gives them more reason to visit disadvantaged communities in order to provide them with the necessary information to enable them with their new beginning.
The community members in attendance were informed about the campaign, which is observed annually from November 25 to December 10.
Information was shared on some of the causes that form part of abuse.
The worldwide campaign hopes to educate the masses to oppose violence against women and children.
The aim is to raise awareness of the negative impact that violence and abuse have on women and children and to rid society of abuse permanently.
• The causes for abuse:
It stems from the low status of women in the home and our society.
It happens when men abuse power and position of authority in order to control women and children.
• What is abuse?
Any form of behaviour that causes fear, bodily harm and forcing a person to do things against their will.
Examples include emotional abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse that also includes rape.
• Laws passed by Parliament to protect individuals against abuse:
The Domestic Violence Act of 1998, The Children Act of 2005, The Maintenance Act of 1998, The Promotion of Equity and Prevention of Undated Discrimination Act of 2000, The Criminal Law (Sexual Offence and Related Matters Act ) Amendment Act of 2007.
The community was further given ways to prevent abuse and not to be victims:
• Break the cycle of violence
• Act against abuse
• Break the silence
• Do not look away
• Report any form of abuse
Contact details when in need of help were given to the social workers at the centre who were requested to distribute these in the community.
Additional assistance the police could provide include medical attention, shelter and victim counselling.
Heidelberg SAPS will continue to visit various places during this time of the year and share information about the campaign and will be working closely with other stakeholders to ensure it is fruitful.
