Gender-based violence addressed
Police hoped the outreach would motivate people to report crime and violence in communities this festive season.
The police, in partnership with various municipal departments, visited Siyahlala-la Settlement to educate residents about gender-based violence and crime last Wednesday.
This initiative formed part of the Department of Social Development’s strategy for the 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children.
Nonhlanhla Mdakane, area social worker, said it was important to reach as many people as possible.
“We found that meeting in halls was not productive because only women would attend, while the men would stay behind. We also wanted to assess the standard of living in the informal settlement.”
Social ills such as substance abuse, domestic violence and child negligence plague this informal settlement.
“It is vital to go out and have these visits so that we can understand the way of living within this society, not to come only when there is crime,” said Brigadier Bhekumuzi Khumalo, Newcastle Police Station Commander.
Captain Shooz Magudulela, Newcastle police spokesperson, hoped the outreach would motivate people to report crime and violence in communities this festive season.
“We thank all the stakeholders who participated in this project to alert the public about domestic violence and crime, and we hope that we will have a great working relationship with the community.”
