The scourge of domestic violence cases in Ulana informal settlement in Delmore has prompted police to organise an awareness campaign to educate residents about gender-based violence (GBV).
One of the residents, Diana Matambatshikha, pointed out that in some cases parents are abused by their children or family members.
The door-to-door awareness campaign saw participants, consisting of representatives of the SAPS, metro and local NGOs, distributing pamphlets, interacting with community members and holding a talk on GBV and other social ills.
Reiger Park SAPS Sgt Lufuno Mudzuli said they discovered during previous meetings with the community that residents lack information on GBV.
“We also want to make them aware that there are various organisations that help victims of GBV,” said Mudzuli.
Mxolisi Matina, a founder of Masibambaneni Organisation Elderly Care Centre, said they participated in the campaign to encourage men to stop abusing women and children.
“The problem with men is that they don’t speak out about their problems and in that process they end up hurting their loved ones. Today, we want to change that by explaining to them there are organisations that can help them,” said Matina.
Dimpho Damane, a members of the Drug Action Committee, was also part of the campaign.
“It’s important for our organisation to participate in these campaigns because we also deal with GBV, drug and alcohol abuse related issues, and we normally refer such cases to social workers of the City of Ekurhuleni,” said Damane.
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