THE prevalence of crime and violence has desensitised society, and especially women, from their negative effects. This according to Kgomotso Moalusi of the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities when commemorating 16 days of activism against abuse of women and children.
According to her the phenomenon is creating a burden on the justice system which can’t cope with people stealing, raping and killing with impunity. It also undermines the Constitution’s call for dignity and respect for all persons and their private spaces.
Moalusi said the protection of citizens, especially women and children, was the responsibility of every citizen.
“Everyone needs to be counted as a solution against violence, and not only when the violence impacts one directly,” she said.
Moalusi stated violence had resulted in people not trusting each other and also of disobeying protection orders with ease.
“The orders seem not to have much effect in curbing violence happening in private and public places. They should be respected as law and made binding through a combination of behaviour change and the revival of ubuntu to ensure women’s safety in the home.”
In reference to TV with age restrictions which some adults allow children to watch, she said the youth were most vulnerable to violent influences and needed to be assisted to be able distinguish socially positive behaviour and attitudes from antisocial ones.
“Parents should block such programmes as part of positive upbringing of their children.”
She further urged the community to not allow crime hotspots to take root in their area as they attracted perpetrators of violence which children often emulate.
“Stop children from roaming the streets alone and at night and from exposure to these elements.”
The police indicated that social crime in the area was increasing and in turn raising the level of violent crime committed by children.
“We urge the community to adopt the campaign of no violence as a daily practice which, over time should develop into a daily stop-crime attitude in the interest of the entire community, especially children,” said Constable Idah Morovhi.
Details: mmalegae@gmail.com
