Traditional leaders must fight domestic violence
The 16 days of activisim against women and child abuse ,has officially launched in the province.
MBOMBELA – Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has called on traditional leaders to be at the forefront of community policing in their communities to fight against domestic violence.
Shongwe was speaking during a provincial 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children launch held in Elukwatini on Monday.
He said that traditional leaders are well respected in their communities hence they hold a better platform to educate people about domestic violence issues.
“This battle is not for police and government only, it is everyone’s business, and it affects everyone. We want to have leaders whom our communities will look up to for their safety. Let us refrain from negotiating these cases in traditional courts, an abuser is a criminal and they belong in jail,” said Shongwe.
According to statistics, Elukwatini has a high rate of rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and child abuse cases.
Shongwe said that investigations by police on these cases should not be prolonged as it diminishes the faith that communities have in the Justice and Crime Prevention Systems.
He also called on municipalities to ensure that roads are accessible, there are street names and lights and bushes are cleared to make it easier for police to access crime and investigation scenes.
He added that municipalities must also deal with the issue of empty stands as criminals use them as hiding spots to do criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Inkosi Yende of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders said among others that the cause of domestic violence and abuse was poverty, especially in rural areas.
He said that government must bring development to rural areas, including provision of education and job opportunities as most women become vulnerable because of poverty.
During the launch, the Provincial Government represented by the MEC, donated 5 houses with green doors, 50 uniforms for seven schools each in the area, wheel chairs, 200 food parcels and planting seeds for 200 families.
The donation of the green door houses is part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign as the colour of the doors symbolize that the house is safe for victims of abuse.
The green door houses should be used as temporary accommodation for victims of abuse while waiting for medical attention.
The yearly campaign which kick starts on 25 November will be characterised by numerouos activities aimed at heightening awareness around abuse of women, children and people living with disabilities.
The campaign will end on 10 December 2012, the day that has been declared International Human Rights Day.
The province has adopted a 365 days plan for the 16 Days of Activism.
Among others government seeks to strengthen existing partnerships and collaboration with non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and traditional leadership in order to curb the abuse of women, children and people living with disabilities.
