Edenvale SAPS tackle GBV with awareness campaign

Edenvale SAPS launched its 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign on December 4 under the theme ‘Accelerating Actions to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide: Leaving No One Behind’.

The campaign began at Edenvale Police Station before hitting the streets and ending at the Van Riebeeck Taxi Rank where an awareness event was held with commuters and taxi drivers.

Informative pamphlets were distributed.

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Edenvale’s communications officer Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile said the community applauded the initiative.

Mashile said the campaign aimed to emphasise the importance of addressing GBV and promoting awareness and action in the community.

Various stakeholders such as the GBV coordinator, sector managers, Edenvale Clinic, Don Mattera CYCC and members from You Are Not Alone NPO as well as Mamba Security Company were present.

“The little ones were also gifted with whistles and as they joyfully blew them, they were also encouraged to do so against any form of abuse and police will always come to their rescue.

“Social workers from Edenvale Child Welfare shared information about children’s rights, different forms of abuse, and how their services and programmes assist victims of GBV,” shared Mashile.

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He said the event was also aimed at encouraging all sectors of society to join the police in their concerted efforts to end the scourge of GBV.

Mashile urged men to end violence and stop abusing their partners or children and instead love and protect them.

He concluded by sharing festive season safety tips such as handling large amounts of money and issued a stern warning against criminals that police will spare no effort to deal with those responsible for any criminal activities.

“Police operations have been intensified in all corners of Edenvale to ensure a safer festive season and beyond,” he warned.