With the start of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, community members and women attended a self-defence demonstration hosted by SA Women Fight Back.
Held in partnership with Straight Blast Gym Bedfordview, the demonstration was held near the Goldfields Kennel Club where the gym is located.
Kempton Park resident and member of the national women empowerment movement Lizet Rosen said the Bedfordview event was one of several which occurred around the country.
“In my opinion the violence against woman and children in SA is out of control.”
Besides learning self-defence techniques, those in attendance were encouraged to write the name of a victim of gender-based violence and write it on a ribbon.
The ribbons were tied on a fence to honour and commemorate the lives lost to violence.
Visitors were also encouraged to donate bras which would then be distributed among various women shelters nationwide.
Owner of the gym Sergio de Freitas said he felt honoured to be included in the campaign.
“It has been always something I have wanted to do and I cannot wait to lend a hand in the future.”
In order to bring about change, SA Women Fight Back has a six-point plan to promote the rights of all women, children and vulnerable groups.
• All victims should be treated with respect, dignity and interviewed by trained police officials in a victim sensitive manner.
• Victims should be assisted at the Victim Friendly Room or an alternative room where the statement will be taken in private at the police station or other locations providing victim support.
• Victims will be referred/taken for medical examination by by the healthcare professional to obtain medical evidence and complete a medical report.
• The investigation should be conducted by a member of the Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations Unit or a detective with relevant training.
• The families and victims of sexual offences, femicide and infanticide should be referred to the victim support services that are available in the precinct for legal, medical, school and psychological help.
• Victims should be proactively provided with feedback on the progress of their cases on a continuous basis.
Visit SA Women Fight Back’s website for more information.
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