Police GBV awareness campaign in the Moot kicks-off
“The whole idea behind the programme, is to let the community as well as children know that we are there to lend an ear and assist in whichever way possible,”
Villieria police and various parties have combined forces to help curb gender-based violence (GBV) in their area.
The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV is an annual campaign that kicks off on November 25, for the elimination of violence against women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.
Role players of Kilnerpark Security, Best Care ambulance services, Crisis on Call, Mon Ami Trauma Troops, Foster care action group, metro police, FCS, Bloed Susters crime scene clean-up, members of the air wing, Villieria CPF, the water wing and the community members at large will form part of the campaign.
The programme will kick-off today at Via Nova School, a school for learners with special educational needs specialising in learners with severe intellectual disabilities.
As part of their visit, domestic violence and different kinds of abuse were portrayed to young children between 12 and 13-years-old.
“Gender-based violence, domestic violence, related cases, bullying, human trafficking, harassment, sexting, and safety tips will be some of the subjects covered during the visits.
“The message sent out to all our children was one of hope and that we are there to serve and protect.
“Role players such as professional personnel, teachers, law enforcement agencies and healthcare professionals are there to assist in matters that relates to any form of abuse. We are there to serve and protect,” Austin said.
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On Saturday, the team will take to the streets on the back of a truck where they will hand out flyers to inform the community of gender-based violence.
Derdepoort primary school, Laerskool Pierneef as well as Laerskool Queenswood are on their list of schools to be visited.
According to Warrant Officer Marinda Austin of Villieria police, the global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against GBV, is “Orange the world: end violence against women now”.
“The whole idea behind the programme, is to let the community as well as children know that we are there to lend an ear and assist in whichever way possible,” she said.
The team will also spend some time with the elderly of Huis Herfsblaar.
“Sometimes we forget about the elderly people in our community.
“We want to spoil the residents of the home by just speaking to them and to lend an ear.”
The campaign will come to an end on December 10 where the team will be at ECHO Youth Development.
“It is not only a campaign for women, but also for the elderly and the youth,” Austin said.
She added that if any other school or organisation would like to become involved, they were more than welcome to do so.
“I would like to thank Spur Queenswood Corner who sponsored 10 000 vouchers, and their involvement in the burger as well as dessert bust. Also a huge shout out to Voer Boer who is sponsoring the truck as well as André Genis of Novaseek,” she said.
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