Gender Links discusses rape cases

With the rise in the number of rapes reported in the Cleveland policing precinct, the gender-based lobby organisation Gender Links (GL) stepped forward to place these reported crimes under the microscope.

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GL condemned the crimes in the Malvern and Kensington areas recently reported by Cleveland SAPS spokesperson Capt Johan Jordaan.

Jordaan told the EXPRESS that there had been a noticeable increase in the number of cases reported at the police station in recent months.

The station held a safety campaign on February 20 in response. On March 24, three 17-year-old girls were allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted by two men driving a white Toyota Quantum in Jeppestown on March 24.

The EXPRESS also reported that a 72-year-old woman was allegedly raped at her home in Kensington on February 4, and in Malvern, a 23-year-old woman was allegedly raped by two men in front of her two children in the early hours of February 9.

GL’s gender-based violence research expert Kevin Chiramba urged survivors to report incidents to the police to ensure perpetrators are brought to book.

“GL works with various partners to increase awareness on rape through global, regional and local campaigns, including research on gender-based violence.

“The research in itself primarily includes exploring sexual violence in seven SADC countries and the results that come out of it are used to urge governments to put measures in place to end the rape scourge,” said Chiramba.

When asked if there were any statistics collated by the organisation that shed light on the seriousness of the rapes in the Cleveland police precinct, Chiramba said GL had not done localised research in the affected areas.

“Shaping the attitudes of men towards women is a key factor if the fight against rape is to be won. GL places emphasis on prevention and has from time to time lobbied governments in SADC to put preventive measures against rape and sexual assault, which are often influenced by entrenched patriarchal norms and perpetrated by men.

“GL continues to lobby for a shift on gender attitudes, such that women are not seen as sex objects by men,” said Chiramba.

“Rape is a horrific crime that often leaves the survivors with traumatic experiences leading to depression, suicidal thoughts, physical harm and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

“The community is urged to report cases of rape, as many incidents go unreported. More importantly, communities should give psycho-social support to rape survivors and also desist from blaming the victims.

“Men and boys have a role to play in transforming gender attitudes and upholding women’s rights as human rights.

“Charity begins at home and thus the shaping of gender attitudes starts at home. If communities are empowered to demand justice for rape victims and participate in raising awareness, then the war on rape can be won community by community.”