Entities collaborate for GBV awareness campaign in Protea Glen
The event aimed to educate community members about the prevalence of abuse, encourage individuals to take action, promote social change, and raise awareness of the resources and options available to survivors.
Greater Protea Community Policing in collaboration with the SAPS, Youth Crime Prevention Desk SANCA Soweto, GBV Brigades and Life Line held a domestic violence awareness event at Protea Glen on February 28.
The event aimed to educate community members about the prevalence of abuse, encourage individuals to take action, promote social change, and raise awareness of the resources and options available to survivors.
Johannesburg YCPD District PRO Moses Seaga said we are facing a crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. Through the initiative, they are trying to make an effort to develop solutions that encourage people to report any form of GBV they witness or experience, without fear of retaliation or stigma.
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“We discovered that many individuals are unaware of where to report domestic violence.
“But what truly motivated us to take action was the tragic incident that occurred on February 14, where our sergeant was shot and killed by her husband in Protea Glen.
“This heartbreaking murder highlighted the severity of the GBV crisis in our country and served as a sobering wake-up call for all of us,” he said.
Seaga stated that both men and women experience GBV, and the problem of men not being taken seriously when they report GBV incidents to the police is resolved.
Regardless of gender or race, everyone has the right to report any kind of GBV since they believe it may impact anyone.
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The community turned out in large numbers to attend the event, with 350 attendees present.
“We want the community to recognise the signs and patterns of GBV. The killing of individuals continues to happen regularly, yet many cases go unreported.
“We aim to build trust between the community and the police, ensuring that individuals no longer tolerate abuse. GBV is our second pandemic, and we must address it urgently,” said CPF Secretary, Trudy Jabavu.
YCPD Protea representative Thando Khumalo thanked everyone who took the first step towards creating a safer and more supportive community.
