Community marches against substance abuse and GBV in Doornkop
Stakeholders and residents took to the streets to raise awareness and support families affected by addiction and gender-based violence.
The Community Policing Forum (CFP) and different stakeholders took a stand against substance abuse and GBV in the community with a prayer and march that started at Doornkop Police Station on April 30.
The session was also designed to bring information into the communities by different stakeholders such as The Truth About Drugs, Westview Clinic, SA Unplugged, and a Drug Free World Africa that deals with substance abuse, rehabilitation and offers families who have addicts some form of support.
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Station commander of Doornkop Police Station, Colonel Tshabala opened up the programme sharing that it is a painful ill that communities have fallen into and it is sad to see the youth being consumed by things such as nyaope.
“We are all here to take a stand for our community and hope that this will have a ripple effect on other communities as well.
“We need to support those battling addiction, however, we also need to support families and the best way is to raise awareness and bring information to them,’’ said chairperson of the CPF, Tinyiko Mlambo.
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Carmen Abu-Hijleh from Drug Free World Africa said, “We are a foundation that deals with providing information on substance abuse. I am happy that we are collaborating with other stakeholders for a greater purpose for the community.’’
The CPF shared that dealing with substance abuse on a daily basis, as they go into the community, they saw it fit to host the session, with hopes that addicts will take a step forward themselves to change their lives for the better and become sober.
