Covid-19 – Lockdown with my abuser
Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations Unit can be contacted on 0800 150 150.
Lockdown is a new reality and victims of domestic abuse will be home with their abusers.
Sebenza SAPS communications officer Sgt Sharon Tsotsotso spoke about what victims can do if they find themselves in a situation where they need to escape.
“Everybody needs to stay at home during lockdown; unfortunately, some victims will be in the presence of people who abuse them.”
Tsotsotso suggested that victims should stay clear of provoking their abusers.
“When you live with someone, you know what makes them angry. Possible victims must not aggravate the abuser.”
According to the officer, domestic abuse cases will be treated normally during lockdown.
“If you are abused during this time you can call the police or the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations Unit (FCS). The South African Defence Force (SANDF) will also help the police, should a victim come across an army official they can ask them for help.”
Sebenza SAPS has put in place protective measures to stop cross-infection for police attending to abuse cases and community members.
“Police have been briefed to not touch people or surfaces, they will be equipped with masks, gloves and sanitisers,” said Tsotsotso.
Many victims fear they will be left with no place to stay after reporting family violence cases.
Tsotsotso said in cases where victims are displaced, police will contact their nearest family members.
If they don’t have family nearby, police will refer victims to Ikhaya Lethemba, a centre for victims of social crime and violence.
“The centre will remain open during lockdown,” said Tsotsotso.
Tsotsotso also spoke more about how police will protect children who are involved.
“Depending on the complaint, if children are also abused they will be moved to a place of safety. The abuser will also be arrested and charged with child abuse.”
Due to the high degree of community acceptance to aggression against men by women, men who are abused by women are advised to not be afraid to report domestic abuse.
“If they do not report cases, no one can help them.
“Sebenza police officers are discreet and professional enough to handle such cases without ridiculing male victims,” said Tsotsotso.
To community members who think domestic violence is not a crime and is normal with couples, the officer disagreed and said domestic abuse is a crime.
“Some people are traditional and believe in a woman submitting to a man, as a result, they think abuse is okay and it is not okay.”
Witnesses like neighbours who overhear altercations were urged by Tsotsotso to call the police or FCS.
Tsotsotso’s words of reprimand towards abusive men and women is, “Abuse is not good. Abuse affects both parties’ health and that can result in depression or anger. Many suicide and murder cases in society stem from abuse.”
With regards to general safety, residents must not open up for anyone claiming to do tests or check if everything is fine in their homes. If they are feeling ill, they must go to the doctor.
Tsotsotso urged the community to cooperate with the police and the SANDF during lockdown.
“They should bear with us for the next 21 days.”
• Domestic Violence coordinator of Sebenza SAPS Sgt Barbara Tshunungwa can be contacted on 082 319 9438 or 011 400 6000.
• Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations Unit can be contacted on 0800 150 150.
• The Commission for Gender Equality number is 0800 007 709.
