August is the month when society is encouraged to focus their attention on the ongoing struggles of women around the country.
This Sunday marks another Women’s Day when the achievements of all women are celebrated and a reaffirmed commitment is made to the protection and care of vulnerable females across the community. Dealing with abuse is among the greatest challenges facing women, with the fear of inadequate support from authorities a constant concern.
Mandated at a national level, Roodepoort Police have stressed their readiness to tackle violence against vulnerable females but reiterated their six-point plan.
Roodepoort Police spokesperson, Captain Juanita Yorke highlighted the six steps police members follow, aiming to reassure females seeking assistance:
- All victims should be treated with respect and dignity, and interviewed by a trained police official in a victim-sensitive manner.
- Victims should be assisted in a victim-friendly or alternative room, where a statement will be taken in private and victim support services are available.
- The healthcare professional will refer or take victims for a medical examination to obtain medical evidence and complete a medical report, and see to the health of the victim.
- The investigation should be conducted by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit or a detective with relevant training.
- Victims of sexual offences, femicide and infanticide and their families should be referred to victim support services that are available within the precinct to get legal, medical, social and psychological help.
- Victims should be proactively and continuously given feedback on the progress of their cases.
Direct contact details were also established to help vulnerable persons obtain help remotely and urgently. Those affected can phone the Gender-based Violence helpline on 0800 150 150 and may also send text messages to the Gender-based Violence command centre *120*786# in order for authorities to contact potential victims.
