Proactive steps taken to prevent abuse
The awareness campaign was an initiative aimed to make people aware that abuse of any kind is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.
In celebrating Women’s Day, the Sebenza SAPS held an awareness campaign against women and child abuse.
The event was held on August 7 to encourage women and the community at large to speak out against sexual abuse against women and children.
The Sebenza SAPS communications officer, Constable Sharon Mahamba-Tsotsotso, said the awareness campaign was an initiative aimed to make people aware that abuse of any kind is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.
“Women are sometimes ashamed of speaking out when they are being abused and that is why the Sebenza SAPS decided to celebrate Women’s Day by creating this awareness. We decided to work together with the Sebenza Community Police Forum (SCPF), the Lethabong Taxi Association and the Tata Taxi Association to create awareness. Sebenza chairperson, Mr Andrew Mosesi, also attended the awareness campaign held at Founders View.
“The pamphlets have all the information one needs to know regarding sexual abuse. It explains what a person must do when they are being abused, what sexual abuse is and the stigmas attached to sexual abuse,” said Const Tsotsotso.
The pamphlets also had safety tips for women on how to protect themselves and to make sure they are not vulnerable to rape.
“We are giving women information on how to protect themselves when they are under attack, what to do if they are victims of rape, as well as what will happen when a sexual offense is reported to the police,” said Const Tsotsotso.
The Sebenza SAPS team, together with the two taxi associations, the SCPF and the youth handed out pamphlets and chocolates to women in Founders View South.
Men were also given the pamphlets.
