The DA supports 16 days of Activism

Sir
The Democratic Alliance fully supports the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign which will be held from November 25 to December 10.
It aims to raise awareness of the negative impact that violence and abuse have on women and children. The success of this campaign rests on our daily individual and collective actions to safeguard our society against this cycle of abuse. The DA believes that one of the biggest problems in dealing with cases of abuse is the ineffective justice system.
We have cases of documents and dockets going missing and cases against perpetrators drag on and many are thrown out of courts. Therefore the conviction rates remain low. Secondly, most of these crimes take place in people’s homes and are not reported to the police. If they are reported there is the possibility that the case may be withdrawn due to family or societal pressure, and also due to financial dependence on the perpetrator etc.
Alcohol and drug abuse, unemployment and depression are said to be the main causes of violence. However, there is nothing that can justify violence against, and abuse of, women and children. Domestic violence occurs among couples of all classes and social backgrounds, from suburbs to informal settlements. It occurs among young and old couples, married or unmarried.
Globally, up to six out of every ten women experience physical and /or sexual abuse in their life time. Sixty million girls are sexually assaulted at or on their way to school or home. Sixty million girls worldwide are child brides. One in five girls and women will be a victim of attempted rape or rape in their lifetime. One hundred to one hundred and forty (100 to 140) million girls and women in the world have experienced female genital mutilation/cutting. Domestic violence is the single biggest cause of injury and death to girls and women aged between 15 and 44 worldwide. The following laws have been passed to protect the rights of individuals against abuse: The Domestic Violence Act of 1998; The Children’s Act of 2005; The Maintenance Act of 1998; The Promotion of Equity and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act of 2000; and The Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act. Amendment Act of 2007.
The Domestic Violence Act of 1998 has provided much needed support for women in distress. The statistics for protection orders in domestic violence cases indicate that more and more women are approaching the courts for support and relief. The Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act broadens the definition of sexual violence and ensures heavy sentences are applied to perpetrators of violence and abuse. The Maintenance Act is another critical intervention for mothers as it ensures continued financial support for the children if they decide to act against abusive fathers. The large majority of men are protective of their families and loved ones. In order to effectively spread the word about abuse against women and children in South Africa the Democratic Alliance and the Democratic Alliance Women’s network (DAWN) are distributing pamphlets in the efforts to “stop the abuse.” We urge men and boys in particular to become active in the campaign of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
Dr I. Bedassi
Councillor
Umzinyathi District