With the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, members of Edenvale’s law enforcement agencies took to the streets.
Officers from Edenvale SAPS, EMPD, Edenvale CPF and security companies participated in a roadblock.
Officers handed out informative pamphlets to the community and they conducted stop and searches.
Edenvale SAPS spokesperson Sgt Jacob Mashile said information was shared with the community to make sure they understood the campaign and what the police were attempting to achieve.
He said the pamphlets explained sexual assaults, the process of opening a case, safety tips and other information.
The Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No 32 of 2007) defines a sexual offence as “sexual assault, compelling or causing persons of 18 years or older to witness sexual offences, sexual acts or self-masturbation, exposure to or displaying child pornography to persons 18 years or older, engaging the sexual services of persons 18 years or older, trafficking in persons for sexual purposes and rape”.
To avoid being sexually assaulted community members are advised to avoid:
• Being alone in isolated places at night.
• Giving a ride or accepting a lift from strangers.
• Leaving food and drinks unattended while at a party.
• Leaving windows and doors unlocked at home.
Tips for when you are being attacked included:
• To try to remain calm.
• To attract attention by screaming or running away if the opportunity presents itself.
• Try to remember identifying features of the attacker (race, tattoos, scars, accent and voice).
In October Mashile told the NEWS there was an increase in domestic violence cases, which is often linked to GBV.
Mashile said because domestic violence often occurs behind closed doors it is a difficult crime to police.
He said if family members or friends suspect someone they know is a victim of domestic violence it needs to be reported as soon as possible.
“When couples are having a marital dispute, they should speak to each other before it escalates.
“If the victim, especially women, cannot get away from the situation or their partner they should have emergency numbers (112/10111) on hand.”
He said if family members or friends suspect someone they know is a victim of domestic violence it needs to be reported as soon as possible.
He encouraged victims of GBV to keep photographs and video and audio recordings to show social workers.
If you have been sexually assaulted the SAPS advises victims not to wash or change clothes.
The body and clothing may contain evidence crucial to the investigation.
Mashile reminded victims that the polices are there to help community members and has a structure in place such as the Victim Empowerment Centre which is used to assist sexual assault victims.
What usually happens when you report a sexual offence.
• Ask if you can be taken to a Victim Friendly Room or an alternate room where your statement will be taken in private to ensure confidentiality and to protect your dignity.
• The police officer will take your statement.
• You may request a copy of your statement.
• The officer will provide you with a case number and you must use this case number as a reference whenever you require information about the case.
• The officer will ensure that you are examined by a healthcare professional.
• The healthcare professional will complete a medical report and collect medical evidence.
• If you came into contact with the blood, semen or vaginal fluid of the alleged offender during the commission of the sexual offence, you may have been exposed to the risk of being infected with HIV.
• Provide the correct contact details to the investigating officer.
• Request the contact particulars of the investigating officer.
To report a sexual assault or crime related to GBV phone Edenvale SAPS on 011 553 8600. Alternatively, phone 10111 or 08600 10111.
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