IN light of the gender-based violence incidents impacting The Bluff and its surrounding areas, volunteers collaborated with members of the Brighton Beach SAPS to organise a sexual awareness campaign on April 2.

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The primary objective of the campaign was to illuminate the community regarding the prevalence of GBV incidents and formulate strategies to counter the surge of such violence. Given that April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month – a national initiative aimed at heightening public consciousness about sexual assault and educating individuals on preventive measures, the timing was particularly apt.

This campaign served as an advocacy programme wherein various initiatives and activities aimed at addressing societal ills were deliberated upon, aiming to foster social cohesion and promote family values within communities.

Captain Louise Le Roux, the police spokesperson for Brighton Beach SAPS, highlighted the active involvement of local youth in this endeavour, aiming to inspire their peers to become champions in combating sexual violence. Additionally, women members of the Retaliate Group provided invaluable assistance during the operation.

“Stakeholders in the fight against crime, with operational support from youth community members, orchestrated a cohesion operation within the Brighton Beach policing precinct. This operation included foot patrols to raise awareness about sexual violence,” said Le Roux.

Le Roux, acting as the project manager for the programme, emphasised that sexual assault affects individuals across various demographics, including women, men, children and LGBTQ+ persons.

“The operation’s objective was to educate the public about identifying different forms of violence, reporting incidents, and implementing interventions. This was achieved through public engagement and the distribution of informative brochures during foot patrols held at the Hillside Mall and Bluff Towers Mall,” she said.

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A total of 1 500 brochures were disseminated to the public, offering comprehensive explanations of sexual assault and violence, the purpose and procedures for obtaining protection orders and information about support organisations for victims of abuse and violence.

Recipients of the brochures were encouraged to report abuse, either their own or others’, anonymously, through the SAPS Crime Stop Tip-Off Line 08600 10111 or the My SAPS Mobile App *123*10111#

Le Roux expressed gratitude for the support received from stakeholders, including mall management and tenants, metro police, eThekwini Municipality Safer Cities and various community groups.

The recent third-quarter crime statistics for the 2023/2024 financial year indicated an increase in sexual offenses, underscoring the urgency and importance of such awareness campaigns and collaborative efforts in combating gender-based violence.

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