Tips to protect our women this August

Fidelity ADT believes Covid-19 is not the only pandemic facing South Africa.

Head of marketing and communications at the security provider, Charnel Hattingh said the scourge of gender-based violence continued to take a heavy toll on women in the country, costing our economy billions each year and claiming more than 2 700 lives since the year 2000, according to estimates.

“It is clear that we need to do more to honour the women of our country, by protecting them and keeping them safe. It is entirely appropriate therefore to have a regular focus period such as Women’s Month in which we can remind ourselves of the importance of empowering our country’s women,” said Hattingh.

She said opportunistic criminals would be on the lookout for what they perceived to be ‘soft targets’.

“This means that being aware of your surroundings and potential threats is perhaps one of the most valuable first lines of defence.”

She offered the following tips to women:

•  Trust your instincts. If someone or something makes you feel uneasy, avoid the individual and leave the area
•  Contact the private security service provider in your area and ask if they offer a mobile panic alarm service, which you can download on your phone
• Tell someone where you are going and the time you expect to return. Save the details of the person to be contacted in the event of an emergency on your phone or memorise it
• Be aware of people around you when heading to your vehicle, especially at places such as shopping centres and petrol stations. Ensure that you take a moment to check the street before pulling into a driveway, whether it is your own or a friend’s
• Drivers should ensure that all doors are locked when driving and never leave valuable items on the seat or in view of anyone looking into the vehicle from the outside
• Make your car a mobile-free zone so that you can concentrate on your surroundings to keep you and your family safe.

“Talk to your loved ones about these tips. By sharing them and by working with the brave men and women of our law enforcement and security partners, we can make a difference and make the world safer for our women.”

Victims of gender-based violence are advised to call the Department of Social Development’s helpline on 080 042 8428 or visit their website on www.gbv.org.za/contact-us/ for a list of other contacts.

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