Douglasdale Police Station Raises Domestic Abuse Awareness at Helderfontein Estate
Douglasdale Police Station organized a highly successful event at Helderfontein Estate to raise awareness about domestic abuse and promote healthy family relationships.
The Douglasdale Police Station together with Community Policing Forum (CPF), Netcare 911, the Department of Social Development, and the Night Guard, conducted a joint domestic awareness event at Helderfontein Estate. The objective of the occasion was to promote awareness of domestic issues and foster healthier family relationships within the community.
Night Guard gave safety tips on how to safeguard against burglary and the importance of panic buttons. Netcare 911 offered basic first aid training for burn injuries. Social Development presented its different services including a substance abuse unit, victim empowerment, foster care unit, human trafficking, types of abuse, gender-based and domestic violence.
Attendees also participated in interactive workshops focusing on effective communication, conflict resolution, and stress management. Under the Gender-Based Violence Amendment Act of 2021, it is a criminal offence to not report domestic violence against children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
Douglasdale police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Tshetlhane said, “Gender-based violence is one of the challenges facing our area. As the station, we saw a need to spread awareness and educate domestic workers of Helderfontein Estate.”
Tshetlhane further added that “The event was successful with attendees engaging with police officers including other stakeholders and they were happy to see us there.”
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to engage with police officers and seek guidance on handling domestic disputes and related issues. The officers stressed the importance of early intervention and encouraged attendees to promptly report any incidents of domestic violence or abuse.
The occasion served as a valuable platform for the community to enhance their understanding of domestic issues, learn preventive measures, and reinforce healthy family dynamics.
If you or someone you know requires assistance, please reach out to the following helpline numbers: Police (10111), Stop Gender-Based Violence (0800 150 150), and Childline (0800 055 555).
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