GBV victims encouraged to break the silence during campaign
Pamphlets highlighting what gender-based violence is, when to report a case, when to apply for a domestic violence protection order and listing important helpline contact numbers were distributed.
The only way to stop gender-based violence (GBV) is to report it, the NPA in Mamelodi told victims at an awareness campaign.
The campaign was held outside the Mamelodi West clinic, together with the Thuthuzela care centre and the head of office of the NPA, on Tuesday morning.
Advocate Anne-Marie Bendeman, the senior prosecutor at the Mamelodi magistrate’s court, said the purpose of the campaign was to invite victims of violence to speak out and report it.
“Pamphlets highlighting what gender-based violence is, when to report a case or apply for a domestic violence protection order and listing important helpline contact numbers were distributed,” said Bendeman.
She encouraged the public to make use of Thuthuzela care centre services located at Mamelodi regional hospital.
“Rape victims are encouraged to report it at their nearest police station. The police station then sends out an officer from the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit, who will, in turn, collect the rape victims and take them to Thuthuzela centre.
“A doctor is allocated to the centre to examine the victim.”
She further said it is important for GBV victims to open cases despite the fact perpetrators are often breadwinners.
“Nicro has a programme called Intimate Partner Domestic Violence. It is highly effective and consists of 10 sessions that must be attended by the accused where they educate them on how to control their tempers,” she said.
Nicro stands for National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders.
The perpetrators always tell victims not to open cases because they will lose their jobs.
The NPA further appealed to families or the public who are aware of the abuse taking place, to speak out and break the silence.
Food packets were also distributed to the public.
“Prosecutors are available daily at the Mamelodi court to assist with any inquiries relating to GBV, including the abuse of children.”
Important helpline numbers:
GBV emergency line: 0800 428 428
Childline: 0800 055 555
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