North police commemorate 16 days of child awareness, activism against GBV and World Aids Day
Residents are discouraged from withdrawing a GBV or rape case after they have been registered.
Pretoria North police, in collaboration with the health department, held a 16-day campaign of child awareness and activism against the abuse of women while also commemorating World Aids Day on Friday.
The event was held at Adelaide Tambo Clinic in Pyramid next to Hammanskraal.
Station commander Colonel Nonzwakasi Julla encouraged people to respect the law and report all acts of lawlessness.
Julla urged residents to report cases of rape or gender-based violence (GBV) first-hand to the police.
She outlined the processes and procedures to follow when reporting GBV incidents.
“Victims will be referred to the relevant department for further assistance, as well as over prevention of the spread of diseases.”
Julla urged residents to make use of the victim-friendly rooms at police stations when reporting sensitive matters.
“The room provides an opportunity for victims of GBV, child abuse, sexual offences and domestic violence to make their statements in private in a non-threatening environment.”
She said when victims withdraw cases, it lets the police down because then the very same perpetrator would commit the same crime again.
Activities such as aerobics also promoted a healthy lifestyle at the event and over 200 GBV/domestic violence pamphlets were distributed.
Health promotion practitioner Rosina Zwane from the Department of Health encouraged residents to test for HIV/ Aids and to adhere to the instructions on their medication.
“It is important for people to know their status, as well as taking their medication in a proper healthy way.”
Zwane said the health department works with traditional healers.
“Some people stop taking their ARVs medication and consult traditional doctors in the hope of completely ending the disease. But since we’re working with traditional doctors, they play an important role in reminding their clients to take their medication and visit the clinic regularly.”
Zwane said 16 days of Activism goes hand in hand with World Aids Day.
“GBV is one of the factors that contribute to HIV and Aids, so it is important to teach people where to get help if faced with such, where to report and how to report it.”
She said mental health issues are a large contributor to HIV/Aids.
“When people are pushed over the edge, some tend to look for an easy way out, which is falling victim to drugs and it is easier to catch the disease.”
She added that if mental health could become a priority, she believed cases of HIV/Aids might drop.
Zwane said clinics were not only there to give people medical attention but to give them information and emotional support.
“People shouldn’t be dealing with mental health alone, our clinics are open and more than willing to assist.”
She urged people to take their medication, live a healthy lifestyle, visit clinics regularly and most importantly, know their status.
Julla concluded by encouraging and advising residents to be extra vigilant when visiting shopping malls during this festive season.
“When parking, motorists must remove visible items from their vehicles as they might attract criminals,” she said.
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