SAVF in Standerton raises awareness about gender-based violence
He cautioned that gender-based violence does not begin with killing or raping, but with slapping, beating and shoving.
The Suid-Afrikaanse Vrouefederasie (SAVF) in Standerton organised a walk on Thursday, 27 August to raise awareness about gender-based violence.
Ms Helen Marima, social worker, acknowledged protection for victims of such abuse in her prayer, before introducing Mr Louis Thabethe from #IAM.
He addressed the audience in a room filled with placards saying ‘It’s a crime not to report abuse’, ‘I am a child, please protect me’, ‘Say no to gender-based violence’,
‘My body is not your crime scene’ and ‘Enough is enough’.
Mr Thabethe outlined the non-profit organisation and touched on the perpetrator of violence that could be a father, brother, uncle, grandfather progressing to a an abuser, murderer or rapist.
“It happens in a private space,” he said.
He cautioned that gender-based violence does not begin with killing or raping, but with slapping, beating and shoving.
“#IAM ensures a case is opened and monitors it to go to court,” he added.
According to him, the reason for protesting against bail granted to abusers, that could be women as well, is that a woman’s safety can not be guaranteed.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” he added.
Examples were given about victims withdrawing cases.
Mr Thabethe also soundly refuted the narrative of some teenage girls that boyfriends beat them because they love them.
The organisation also helps in finding missing children, attends to cases of child neglect, taking the interests of the children at heart.
Police stations in his view should be environments where victims feel safe, are not embarrassed, nor humiliated.
“Our issues are not laughing matters,” he concluded.
Mr Jandré Kasselman of Kasselman Security Services was also in attendance.
The group stood outside before walking, according to Covid-19 regulations, towards town. The event was organised to coincide with Woman’s Month.
