Fighting GBV should remain a daily priority

November 25 once again saw the launch of the annual 16 Days of of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which is currently in its 25th year.

The initiative was launched in 1998 by national government in an effort to raise awareness to the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women, children and society.

The conclusion of this year’s campaign will again coincide with International Day for No Violence Against Women, on December 10.

Second quarter crime statistics released by minister of police, Bheki Cele on November 17, painted a bleak picture with 10 516 cases of rape being reported country-wide, from July 1 to September 30.

Although 74 less cases were reported than 2022, a decrease of only 0.7% was recorded.

The statistics further indicated that during the same period 881 women and 293 children had been murdered, with 14 400 women and 1 820 children falling victim to assault with the intent of causing grievous bodily harm.

Closer to home, the Gauteng province recorded 14 rapes which occurred on school property.

Gauteng domestic violence stats indicated that 31 cases of murder, 50 of attempted murder, 141 rapes and 1 771 assaults were committed by intimate partners.

According to newly appointed Benoni SAPS station commander, Brigadier Sudesh Sookraj, cases relating to domestic violence as well as violence against women and children, remain low at station level, but that does not mean it is not happening.

“My afore mentioned comment solely relates to statistics of cases reported to the station, which is worrying as we cannot effectively protect and support the city’s women and children if gender based violence (GBV) is not reported,” he said.

“It is evident that socio-economic circumstances such as unemployment and poverty partnered with alcohol abuse plays a significant role in abuse.

He continued by saying that reported cases mostly stem from informal settlements.

“I have issued a directive that once cases of GBV have been opened, officers as well as investigating officers, should dissuade complainants from withdrawing cases against alleged perpetrators,” said Sookraj.

“By withdrawing cases victims of GBV related crimes are enabling abusive behaviour which may lead to further victimisation and even death.

“We cannot watch idly as the cycle of abuse continues.”

Sookraj further stated that operations targeting the informal liquor trade are conducted throughout the year in an effort to prevent alcohol related crimes being committed on the streets as well as in homes.

“I believe that the fight against gender-based violence should be a priority all year round,” he said.

“We have 365 opportunities to step in and protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Every hour spent in service of others is a chance to break the silence and the cycle of abuse.”

Members of the Benoni SAPS as well as other stakeholders will be hosting an awareness campaign at Lakeside Mall, from 09:00 to 14:00 on December 9.

“During this time, members of the community as well as victims of crime are invited to come speak to police officers and support organisations to get the help they need,” said Captain Nomsa Sekele, spokesperson for the police station.

“Although the focus is on women and children, we are aware that men also fall victim to abuse and therefore urge them to step up and break the silence.

“No one should live in fear in their own homes.”

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