According to recent SA crime statistics, women and girls face severe safety risks from the SAPS and other organisations.
The figures highlight frequent victimisation in public and private spaces.
The former police minister, Bheki Cele, emphasised the dire situation, noting that women and children are often unsafe even in trusted or loved environments.
Charnel Hattingh from Fidelity Services Group calls for significant collective action to improve safety and reduce crime risks for women and girls.
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Hattingh offers practical safety tips to help individuals protect themselves:
• Before leaving home, let a friend or family member know your destination. Doing this will allow them to check in on you and provide a starting point for locating you if anything goes wrong.
• Be cautious of suspicious individuals in malls, ATMs or banks. Avoid using isolated ATMs, especially after dark.
• Keep car doors locked and remain alert when stationary at traffic lights.
• While keeping your phone secure is advised, ensure it is accessible in emergencies. Avoid using it when driving and stay focused on the road.
• Upon arriving home, look for any suspicious activity around your property. If you feel uneasy, consider circling the block. Many security companies offer a home arrival service with armed response officers who can meet you at your door.
In case of an emergency, Hattingh recommends:
• Input essential emergency numbers into your phone for quick access.
• Enquire with your security provider about mobile panic button services or apps that can help in emergencies by pinpointing your location.
• Ask about available self-defence classes to better prepare for potential threats.
Hattingh stressed the importance of unified efforts in addressing these safety concerns.
“Let’s use this month to remind everyone of these valuable safety tips. By uniting our efforts, we can make a positive difference,” she said.
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