Duduza – The voice for people with disabilities, Become the Change in Me, took their campaign to Duduza Police Station on Friday.
Members of the CPF and other safety organisations attended.
The workshop was aimed at sensitising police officers on how to better accommodate disabled victims without stomping on their rights.
Co-founder of the organisation Kate Malope said they decided to take their campaign to the police after receiving concerns from their members.
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“Through engagements with our members, concerns were raised that the police don’t know how to handle them, especially rape victims.
“We have different kinds of disabilities and the way in which the police take evidence for the rape kit cannot be applied across the board.
“Another challenge we identified is that someone who is blind cannot be asked what their perpetrator was wearing.
“Unfortunately, with lack of expertise in such instances, most cases end up being thrown out of court because of lack of evidence,” she explained.
She urged the police to first ask the victims how they want to be assisted before forcing them to be assisted, especially if they are going to be touched.
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If not, this may lead to secondary victimisation.
Duduza police spokesperson Sgt Harry Manaka explained the training was informative and would come in handy when the need arises.
“We are hoping the officers who were in the training will share the information with other colleagues.
“The important message we got out of the workshop is to treat our clients with respect regardless of their physical standing,” he added.
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