Richards Bay campaign against gender-based violence
It runs from 25 November, the International Day Against Violence Against Women, to International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
EFFORTS by local non-profit organisations and community projects to create awareness about violence against women and children, will be increased this month.
Local domestic violence centre, Reaching Out Domestic Violence Support Desk, launched the 16 Days of Activism against gender violence campaign and have urged the community to become involved and speak out against abuse.
The campaign runs from 25 November, the International Day Against Violence Against Women, to International Human Rights Day on 10 December to symbolically link violence against women and human rights.
Reaching Out Manager Purity Madlalose said the organisation is active in its efforts to break the cycle of domestic violence 365 days a year and uses this campaign to bring about awareness on the effects of domestic violence on women, children and the community.
‘Individuals can support the campaign by wearing a white ribbon which symbolises the commitment of the wearer to promote peace and to never commit or condone violence against women and children, and to speak out about violence where they see it.
‘Businesses can distribute white ribbons to staff and it is an inexpensive way to create awareness and show your commitment to non-violence by hosting information sessions about domestic violence, prevention as part of staff wellness programmes and participating or attending community activities and awareness events,’ she said.
The campaign aims to:
• Generate greater awareness of the negative impact of violence on the development of women and children.
• Stress the importance of partnerships between government and civil society in eradicating women and child abuse.
• Involve men and boys as crucial role-players in the eradication of violence against women and children.
• Provide victims and survivors of violence with information about legislative services and other mechanisms put in place by the government to alleviate the impact of violence on their lives.
• Raise funds for non-governmental and community-based organisations working with victims and survivors of violence.
Reaching Out contact details: 035 789 9111
Reaching Out Domestic Violence Support
