Freedom Day, April 27 was celebrated at the Apostolic Faith Mission, Ebenezer in Sakhile on a serious note when a sensitive topic was discussed.
Gender-based violence (GBV) was the focus of the proceedings.
Different speakers told the attendees, mostly women, of the impact of gender-based violence on society and it was made abundantly clear that GBV affects everyone.
Sifiso Khumalo introduced the different speakers for the day’s programme.
Khumalo said on the way to Sakhile that he hoped that there will be a solution at the end of the day.
He also said that working together with #IAM will be of use.
The position of men in society was highlighted after a speaker said men are angry and don’t cry as insults such as mommy’s boy are bandied about.
Standerton Hospital’s registered councellor, Fhatuwani Mavhungu, as well as the spokesman from Sakhile Police, Dudu Zwane, emphasised the importance of reporting cases of violence against women and men.
Mavhungu said that perpetrators are protected if cases are not reported which ultimately give them power over their victims.
She defined gender-based violence as any type of harm perpetrated against a person or group.
A difference between rape and sexual assault was discussed as well.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to see to it that women are protected,” Mavhungu added.
Other points of concern included the role of the family and parental guidance, with social ills such as substance abuse, depression and suicide factors to consider.
Zwane said police are ready to serve the community and took the trouble of distributing leaflets with emergency numbers and safety tips to those present.
She also outlined procedures at a police station when a protection order is sought.
“Neighbours can also report any form of abuse and their identities will be protected,” Zwane added.
“Report the first incident of abuse and do not wait for the second one.”
Police will provide medical assistance, shelter and victim counselling.
The problem of complainants withdrawing cases came to the forefront as well.
Procedures to follow when police fail to fulfil their commitment were mentioned.
Complainants can contact the station commander and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is also a body to consider.
The link between domestic violence and gender-based violence was made clear.
One speaker stated that a violent man is a weak man.
Myths about domestic violence include that it happens more among the lower classes, that only a bully, criminal, addict or alcoholic would do something like that and that the victim drives the perpetrator to violence.
Some of the following numbers could be useful in cases of gender-based violence:
• Police’s Emergency Services – 0860 10111
• Child Line South Africa – 0800 055 555
• Depression and Anxiety Helpline – 0800 708 090
• Gay-Lesbian Support – 0860 333 331 (SMS 079 891 3036)
• Human Trafficking Hotline – 0800 222 777
• Lifeline SA – 0861 322 322
• Suicide Crisis Line – 0800 567 567
• Family and Marriage Association of South Africa – 011 975 7106/7
• People Opposed to Women Abuse – 076 694 5911/011 642 4345
