ALBERTON – Jenni Barnard, founder of Angels 4 Addicts, wants to set the record straight on allegations made about the homeless reportedly being abused by security and law enforcement agencies.
This follows the article, Abuse of homeless under the spotlight, published in the RECORD of August 5.
According to Barnard, the article might have been misinterpreted by people.
“This is the first time that I am making an official comment regarding this issue.”
Barnard said during an earlier interview with the RECORD, where some of the victims spoke on the condition of anonymity, it became evident that the same people from the community, security and law enforcement agencies are responsible for the assaults and attacks.
Also Read: Do not keep sexual assault a secret
“It would seem as if these individuals are either doing so as a group, under the law enforcement banner, or in their personal capacity, taking the law into their own hands.”
Barnard said, judging by the comments received, the actual point being raised is being grossly ignored and replaced with accusations of crime, petty theft, homelessness and intoxication.
The real issue, she raised, is people who drive by shooting the homeless with paintball or airguns and attacking them with batons, pistols, sjamboks and other crudely made weapons.
According to Barnard, other victims have been kicked in the head while they were sleeping or just walking alone. These homeless people were caught, taken to remote areas, tied up with a bag over their head and beaten continuously for sometimes over an hour.
Also Read: Mental health highlighted
“Some acts are so despicable, I cannot begin to describe it and it cannot be justified as crime related! Am I to understand from the comments received that the actions of the perpetrators are justified?”
Barnard said she too is against crime and that she is not advocating it in any way.
“I am definitely not applauding anyone for petty crimes. Anyone who knows me would know I too stand for what is right.”
She said she continuously stresses that crime is unacceptable and she continues to encourage those living on the streets to find alternate means of survival.
“However, it is then expected of those responding, should there be a crime, to arrest them in the prescribed manner and let the justice system decide the outcome. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”
Barnard said she asks law enforcers, who she regards highly for their work, to not resort to inhumane acts of assault and abuse.
“Word on the streets is that there are those who still treat them fairly and decently and the guys in turn have enormous respect for those law enforcers.”
She said she has been working with the homeless for over 10 years and that the vast majority of homeless people are nowadays homeless because of their circumstances and not because they are all drug addicts.
“Even if, for argument sake, they were all addicts, they are people with a problem that need help as their bad choices are also affecting their families, friends and the society as a whole.”
