Child and women abuse, major concern

Women and children in Hammanskraal continue to be victims of abuse.

November 2, 2016

David Matsena 2 minutes read

Boitumelo Zitha, Kamogelo Mpenyane and Lerato Baloyi.

Hammanskraal has the highest incidence of violence and abuse against women and children compared to other Tshwane townships.

This is according a social worker, Simon Sheela of the Department of Social Development.

Speaking at the launch of Child Safety and Awareness campaign in Hammanskraal recently, Sheela said local women and children continued to be victims of abuse.

“We still need a radical social paradigm shift about gender-equality that should usher in a new generation of women and men working together to create a humane world order that is safe for our children,” he said.

He said the number of cases of violence against children and women that reported to the local police station in Temba was high.

“The figure continues to escalate even during [abuse awareness] campaigns…when the nation is giving specific focus to these vulnerable groups in society,” he said.

He said abuse and inequality remained a battle to be fought collectively.

He said causes for the high level of child and women abuse in Hammanskraal ranged from “personal experiences of abuse and the impact of dysfunctional families, to broader social factors such as high levels of poverty, the acceptance of violence in society, unequal gender relations, the disintegration of family life, certain cultural traditions and substance abuse”.

At the Child Safety Awareness Campaign launched at Suurman Community Hall last Friday, residents were urged to unite against violence or crimes against women and children.

Tshwane council speaker, Rachel Katlego Matheba appealed to all residents to play their part.

“We need to take it upon ourselves as residents, both men and women, to end crimes against women and children,” she said.

“All members of society have to stand up and make a difference. The safety of women and children rested in the hands of, not only the government, but every South African.”

Hundreds of children from various pre-schools around Hammanskraal were bused in to the hall to be part of the launch attended by various stakeholders including Men For Change, the SAPS and the Department of Social Development.

The campaign comes only a month away to the 18th anniversary of the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

“It is important that the campaign is not viewed as a stand-alone event but another leg of the year-long campaign to mobilise members of society, especially men, to join hands with the government against children and women abuse,” said Matheba.

“We call on responsible father figures to instill the values of human dignity, equality, and respect in young men and boys. They must mentor and teach young boys to become men who value and respect women.

“Change starts with you and I… it is in our power to make our communities and society safe for women and children. Together we can make a difference in the community.”