In support of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, the Edenvale SAPS held a march through Edenvale to create awareness about this issue.
Organised by Sergeant Jacob Mashile, the head of Edenvale’s Social Crime Prevention Unit, the march began on Van Riebeeck Avenue and made its way through Edenvale to the Newday Church.
The message that could be taken away from the gathering of the community was that the community feels strongly about gender-based violence and more needs to be done to address women and child abuse in South Africa.
The walk, which is part of the national campaign to end violence and the abuse of women and children, saw various members of the community and security companies participating in the walk.
Security companies that took part included the Savika K9 Unit and Armed Response, 24/7 Security Services and Mamba.
While making its way through Edenvale, the walk forced traffic to come to a standstill along Van Riebeeck Avenue.
Pamphlets with information about domestic abuse were distributed to onlookers and community members.
The event had a number of guest speakers, such as Constable Khuswayo, Councillor Heather Hart, Ms Susan Blignaut and Mrs Tarryn Ogle, a Mrs Africa finalist.
Guest speakers shared helpful information with the audience on how to deal with gender-based violence and abuse.
“Being abused yourself is not an excuse to abuse other people. People who have been abused have to break the chain,” said Mr Garth Taylor, who provide the entertainment for the event.
Clr Hart of ward 18 said the sadness of the society that we live is that there is so much anger in it and nobody knows how to deal with it.
“We must help each other. Please speak out, people need to get involved and speak out when they see abuse happening.”
According to Captain Mabelebele, of Employment Health Wellness of the SAPS, stress is a contributor to abuse.
He said often people will be stressed out because of work or the amount of work they have to do. When they get home families take the brunt of the stress.
Capt Mabelebele said often women will scream and shout while men use physical violence.
“The only way to deal with this is to talk about it,” said Capt Mabelebele.
According to Ms Blignaught, abuse can occur in a variety of forms which include:
- Verbal.
- Sexual.
- Emotional.
- Spiritual.
- Financial.
- Neglect.
In order to deal with the issue of abuse, Ms Blignaut said members of the community need to stand up and stand together.
“We need to make the fabric of society whole again. There is hope for Edenvale, for South Africa, but only we as the community can bring about change,” said Ms Blignaught.
Mrs Ogle, whose speech followed Ms Blignaught’s, said women need to start empowering one another and not to hold each other down.
She said there needs to be a combined effort from all women to prevent women and child abuse.
“Let’s support each other and make a concerted effort to support one another,” said Mrs Ogle.
Captain Andries Matome, who spoke on behalf of the Edenvale SAPS station commander Colonel Robbie Roberts, said if people do not break the silence on domestic violence it will continue.
“Community members need to shout with their loudest voices and break the silence,” said Capt Matome.
He said because the SAPS is such a big part of the community, they do offer trauma counselling for victims of abuse.
“I appeal to all the women out there, do not sit in an environment that will kill you for the sake of marriage. Do not compromise who you are as a person,” said Capt Mabelebele.
Sgt Mashile said now with the festive season upon us, domestic abuse cases could increase.
He urged members of the community to report any cases of abuse that they may see.
“People are often too shy to report cases of abuse. If community members see abuse happening they must report it immediately and let the SAPS take action,” said Sgt Mashile.
