Let’s put an end to GBV
There are various options from laying a charge to obtaining a domestic violence order, also there is an emergency GBV hotline which is very effective.
Thousands of pamphlets were distributed at a mall in Mamelodi when the NPA kicked off a campaign against gender-based violence together with police and the local CPF.
The pamphlets, with tips on how to cope with and prevent gender-based violence, were handed out to shoppers at the Tshwane Regional m,all on Friday.
“The purpose of this campaign is education and education,” said senior prosecutor Anne-Marie Bendeman.
“Victims of gender-based violence must be made aware of the resources available to help them and where to go for help.”
According to her, there are various options open to victims, from laying a charge to obtaining a domestic violence order. There is also an emergency hotline, which is “very effective”.
“Many victims, mostly women, do not want to open cases because they are told that if they open a case, the boyfriend or husband will lose his job,” said Bendeman.
The accused are mostly the bread winners.
“Nicro has a programme called the intimate partner domestic violence programme, which a highly effective,” said Bendeman.
“The programme consists of 10 sessions that must be attended by the accused where he is educated on how to contain and control his temper.
“They also research the source and cause of the violence. Why is there gender-based violence in that specific household?
“There are various options available to women who are afraid to open cases because the breadwinner might be jailed for three to four years.”
The campaign encouraged victims to make enquiries at their nearest police station, magistrate’s court or social workers.
“The important thing is to break the silence and condemn the violence against women, so that we can put an end to it,” she added.
“Gender-based violence is not only an issue for the police,” said police spokesperson Captain Johannes Maheso.
“We are together in making sure we reduce this type of crime.
“We want to show communities that the police, NPA and the justice system are working together in fighting this crime.”
Maheso said the campaign will spread out to other sections and malls.
“We are worried that people are too afraid to open cases,” said Tebogo Mokgabudi of the Mamelodi West CPF.
“Therefore, we want to educate the public on what to do when confronted by gender-based violence.”
He advised community members to report gender-based violence incidents anonymously if they see someone becoming a victim and being too scared to open a case.”
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