ACTIVISTS, community members, Bellair SAPS and Bellair CPF members took to the streets of Hillary on Saturday to raise awareness on gender-based violence and femicide (GBV/F).

The GBV Awareness Walk saw members of the community hold up signs saying no to GBV and was part of the police station’s commitment to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.

Community members marched along Stella Road from the Hillary SPAR and ended their march at the Bellair Police Station, close to a kilometre away.

Acting spokesperson for the Bellair SAPS Sergeant Rachel Simangele Mseleku explained the importance behind the protest march.

Also read: Bellair SAPS shine light on GBV awareness

“We marked the start of the 16 Days campaign by lighting candles as a symbol of hope to show the victims of GBV that there is light at the end of tunnel, and we ended with a GBV awareness march. It was a peaceful march for us as the Bellair SAPS to show the community that we can work together to end GBV. I’m so grateful to the community who showed up in their numbers and all the role-players who offered their support.

“We also want to say that our fight against GBV is for 365 days and goes beyond the 16 days. It is important to show the community that we are there for them. We want those affected by GBV to reach out and know there is light offered by the SAPS. At the station, we have the services of LifeLine counsellors with a Gender-Based Violence Desk available during the week to help. We also want victims of abuse to speak out and seek help,” she said.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is held annually from November 25 (International Day for No Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).

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