DEAR Editor,-
Every year, South Africa marks the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and child abuse in the hope that society can permanently rid itself of the abuse of women and children.
But, if KZN’s most recent crime statistics are anything to go by, then our women and children are being failed dismally. This after a staggering 730 women died as a result of abuse, which equates to 20 percent of all murders in the province. KZN has further seen an increase of 10 percent of all murders which were the result of abuse of young children and babies.
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As the rate of abuse of women and children in the province increases, the question is – what confidence do women have in our country’s leaders when it comes to protecting them?
It is unacceptable that this ANC-led government dedicates just 16 days to activism by just creating awareness campaigns, while women and children abuse is on an increase.
This while services that are supposed to help women and children hardly function at all.
If women and children are to have any confidence in the system then the following must happen:
– It must be compulsory for every single SAPS station in both rural and urban areas to be fully capacitated to treat rape and abuse victims with the necessary professional care. In addition, necessary medical attention and counselling must be available 24 hours a day;
– Financial support to community policing forums and other similar forums must be reviewed so that they are able to be effective and functioning.
It has been proven that where CPFs are effective, they are first-on-scene during incidents of criminal activity.
These community organisations must also be provided with sufficient support and training to deal with cases of abuse.
– Women’s shelters and children’s homes must be a completely safe haven. They must also be clean, fully-equipped for mother and child support, with sufficient training for counsellors and other staff. NPOs are there to assist this ANC-led government in its mandate to serve and protect women, children and the vulnerable. They therefore cannot be left to run solo without the necessary capacity. We have already seen horrific consequences of this in KZN at facilities like Lakehaven, where eight children lost their lives in a fire due to non-compliance of health and safety regulations. Enduduwenzi Disability Centre in Umlazi, where the blind and disabled are unable live there anymore due the state of disrepair, Zisize Care Centre in Melmoth, where a mentally-challenged woman was allegedly raped, due to lack of staff.
Change begins with a government that cares. Without proper regard for this crisis, we will never win the war against abuse.
SHARON HOOSEN, MPL
DA KZN Spokesman on Social Development
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