Durban North SAPS continues fight against GBV
Part of the police station's campaign involved handing out educational pamphlets as well as showing the community that the police are there to help.
AS part of its efforts to take a stand against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), officers from the Durban North police station took to the streets and local malls in the area last week to educate members of the public as the country marked the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
Part of the station’s campaign was handing out educational pamphlets as well as showing the community that the police are there to help.
The global campaign runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).
Spokesperson for the Durban North police station, Sergeant Nonhlanhla Shozi, said the scourge of violence against women and children in South Africa must be confronted head on equally by law enforcement, which is why they were involved in different initiatives.
Also read: Gender-based violence prevention an ongoing movement, says North Durban Victim Support Group
“While the campaign comes to a close this week we acknowledge that it’s an ongoing struggle. For us this campaign focuses on raising awareness to the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide has on women and children, and the social fabric of society. We had a number of operations planned for the 16 days and we felt it would be a good opportunity to speak to the people on the ground. The message was well received, with members of the public engaging with us on raising awareness,” she said.
Shozi also urged victims of GBV to come forward and speak out.
She said the station’s Victim Friendly Room (VFR) was also a way to help victims speak out.
The VFR is a dedicated room within a police station to provide a space for victims of GBV to ensure their statements are taken in private within a non-threatening environment.
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