Kempton Park SAPS hosts GBVF awareness and health outreach

Kempton Park Social Crime Prevention joined forces with People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), Tutela Family Care Kempton Park, Spartan Clinic and Wits RHI Mobile Clinic for a community outreach and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) awareness campaign on August 27.

The programme, held at the corner of Greyilla Avenue and Kerk Street, brought health and safety services closer to community members through one-on-one engagements, health screenings and group discussions.

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Several people were screened, counselled and referred for further assistance.

Kempton Park SAPS Social Crime Prevention co-ordinator Sergeant Constance Ramawela said vulnerable women, including sex workers, were also reached during the outreach.

“They are part of our community and highly vulnerable to violence and exploitation. Free health screenings, contraceptives and safety tips were provided to the women,” she said.

“Our aim was to ensure they also have access to healthcare because they often do not access clinics during the day and to build trust between them and SAPS. We wanted to let them know that SAPS is available to protect and assist them.”

Ramawela said the initiative formed part of Social Crime Prevention’s efforts to address GBVF and reduce domestic violence-related crimes identified through the station’s crime statistics analysis.

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Community members were reminded that everyone has a right to safety, dignity and access to healthcare and were encouraged to report abuse rather than suffer in silence.

POWA addressed different forms of gender-based violence and discussed their impact on women, children and communities. The organisation also explained the support available to victims.

POWA operates an office at Kempton Park SAPS, providing support to victims of GBVF and assisting with assessment and referrals for further intervention.

The outreach also explored factors that can contribute to domestic violence, including power and control, substance abuse, financial stress and unemployment, jealousy, poor communication, unresolved trauma, mental health challenges, and harmful cultural or social norms.

The consequences of GBVF discussed during the programme included physical injuries, death and femicide, trauma among children who witness violence, and the breakdown of family and community trust.

The legal consequences for perpetrators, including criminal records and imprisonment, were also highlighted.

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Residents were reminded that domestic violence is a crime and encouraged to seek assistance as early as possible.

Couples were encouraged to seek counselling through organisations such as POWA, Tutela Family Care and social workers. Individuals who may have contributed to abusive behaviour were also encouraged to seek help with issues such as anger management and substance abuse.

Community members participated in the discussions and shared their experiences and concerns. Women in particular spoke about their experiences and were linked with POWA and SAPS victim-friendly services for follow-up support.

Residents thanked the participating organisations for bringing essential health, safety and support services closer to the community.