Police proactive in abuse campaign
Police and CPF members walked from door-to-door to help create awareness against the abuse of women and children.
Police stations and members of the community policing forum (CPF) in the Ga-Rankuwa cluster hosted an awareness campaign on crimes against woman and vulnerable children recently.
The door-to-door campaign was focused in the Mabopane policing area and police officers from Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria North and Akasia informed residents about the negative impact of abuse.
Police spokesperson Captain Rheineth Motlana said police and CPF members from the youth desk handed out pamphlets and identified vulnerable children in need. “We urge residents to report any form of abuse to the police or visit the victim support centre at the Mabopane police station.” She said since the start of the operation one case of domestic violence has been uncovered.
In a 16-day-activism statement published on the South African government website, abuse victims are urged not to keep silent when abused.
“Nobody has the right to hit, push, shove, shake, kick, slap or punch you,” the statement read.
Verbal, psychological and emotional abuse include words that are offensive and hurt your feelings. The abuser may also ridicule, intimidate, harass or stalk.
“Physical abuse is if someone is touching you in a way that is undignified or harmful. The abuser may also damage your property or enter your residence without your permission. That is all physical abuse,” the statement read.
If a friend, co-worker or family member has any unexplained bruises, broken bones, sprains or marks, they might be subjected to abuse. “Excessive guilt or shame for no apparent reason, secrecy or withdrawal from friends and family, avoidance of school or social events with excuses that do not seem to make any sense could also be signs of abuse,” the statement read.
The following emergency numbers are available to find support against abuse:
* Gender-based violence helpline – 0800-428-428 or *120*7867 from any cellphone
* Childline – 0800-055-555
* SAPS crime stop – 08600-10111
* AIDS helpline – 0800-012-322/011 725 6710
* Elderly people helpline – 0800-003-081
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