Call for residents to report all gender-based violence
Failure to report gender-based violence may lead to loss of life, says GBV activist.
Gender-based violence activist Caroline Oyiya urged the members of the community to report cases of gender-based violence (GBV) to the police or community members.
“We are encouraging people to speak out about GBV,” Oyiya told Rekord.
She said people who are afraid of going to the police can still report it to other community members such as close friends and other relatives or the GBV Command Centre.
“Unreported domestic abuse is dangerous. It is like a time bomb that can explode at any time and destroy lives. You should report it before it is too late.
“You can tell neighbours, who are close to you, about victimisation that is happening in your house or other neighbouring houses. Witnesses of domestic abuse can also report it to the police or the GBV Command Centre.
“Some victims may end up losing their lives or end up living with disabilities.”
According to Oyiya, who is also the Gauteng Community Safety head of GBV Brigade coordinator in the inner city central, most victims of the GBV are women.
“More than 95% of the cases of GBV we are aware of in the inner city centre are of women as victims and less than 5% are of men.”
She said as a GBV survivor herself, she fights for justice for all and a high number of women and children suffering from abuse are saved.
She said it took her a long time to report her former husband to the police, citing that she feared it would be difficult for her family to survive without her husband who was the breadwinner.
“This is the situation most women face and they need help to understand what steps they could follow to deal with abuse and prevent ultimately loss of lives.”
ALSO READ: More rain expected this week, warns weather service
She said she was only able to deal with the domestic abuse after she consulted social workers and the police.
It is easy to report the GBV to the police or the GBV Command Centre.
“You do not have to provide your identity. You may remain anonymous.”
She said people prefer to remain anonymous for various reasons including preventing being hated by neighbours who are involved in the abuse.
She said it was extremely important to report GBV to the police because it could save lives.
Interested community members may report incidences of abuse to the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
