Atteridgeville SAPS engage on GBV
Police say victims have trouble reporting perpetrators as some are dependent on them.
Many victims are still hesitant to break the silence on domestic violence, according to Atteridgeville police.
This and many other topics were discussed during recent engagement sessions at the Masopha sports ground and Kalafong Hospital.
Stakeholders involved in the effort included the Atteridgeville police women’s network, Siyabangena Brigades, Atteridgeville’s Men for Change, the social crime unit and the police youth desk.
“The community were sensitised about issues such as reporting a crime to police immediately after it is committed. We have noticed that some are afraid to break the silence and are not able to talk when they are going through challenges. Others are scared of losing their loved ones if they report the perpetrator,” said spokesperson Constable Malete.
“Sometimes the person who is the abuser at the same time is the provider or breadwinner at home so they get to a point where they’re afraid to report such a person because there will be no one to provide for the family.”
Malete said that victims sometimes feel like they should compromise for the sake of their children and to be able to get food.
“To be quite honest, the community is afraid to speak out and report such behaviour. Only if they knew that it is never too late for them to get help for whatever crimes that they might be going through or went through.”
Pamphlets on domestic violence as well as sanitary pads from the Victim Empowerment Organisation in Atteridgeville were distributed to the residents in attendance.
The community was also sensitised about services at Atteridgeville police station.
About 100 people were reached at Kalafong Hospital.
Police urged victims of domestic/sexual violence to report their cases to the nearest authorities.
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