Tarlton takes a stand against gender-based violence
Standing up against gender-based violence and discrimination is what 16 Days of Activism is about, and the community from Tarlton wanted to take a stand against gender-based violence.
Standing up against gender-based violence and discrimination is what 16 Days of Activism is about, and the community from Tarlton wanted to take a stand against gender-based violence (GBV).
On Wednesday, November 30 the community and other stakeholders marched from the N14 and R24 intersection to the Nelson Mandela Hall in Tarlton where a candle lit ceremony also took place.
Community members were joined by the Gauteng Department of Health, Gauteng Department of Social Development, Mogale City Traffic, Mogale City ward 30 Councillor Emmanuel Monyai, Victim Empowerment Centre, West View Clinic, Ann Latsky Nursing College, Loveline, The Fully Human Stage, Assupol, Mogale City Local Municipality and Old Mutual.
The Tarlton police and police members from other stations also joined in the march.
Before the march they started with a prayer against crime and road accidents. Those who marched also had placards with messages that called for an end to gender-based violence.
The chairperson of the stakeholders, Sara Maditjane explained that earlier this year three kids were brutally murdered and community residents from various settlements wanted their voices heard.
Sister Elizabeth Radebe was the one to light the candle and said the lighting was also in commemoration of World Aids Day which is commemorated on Thursday, December 1. She said that GBV and Aids go hand in hand as many victims get infected with HIV/ Aids. The candle was to celebrate those who died from Aids and those who were infected with Aids.
“If you are not infected with Aids you are affected by it,” she said.
Sergeant Sabina Mashego from the Tarlton Police said in a statement that the Tarlton police’s Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Minkie Magooe urged the community to speak out about gender-based violence.
“She also made the community aware that gender-based violence starts with the people, by the people and that we are all responsible to stop it,” read Mashego’s statement.
Magooe also encouraged the community to make use of support structures and the victims’ friendly room available at the police station.
The teams also addressed substance abuse, child negligence, assault, human trafficking, sexual offences, house robbery and missing persons.
Mashego explained that 555 people were reached on Wednesday and 370 awareness pamphlets were distributed.
You can break the silence by reporting gender-based violence on the police crime stop number 08600 10111 or sending an sms to 32211.
