The SAPS released crime statistics a few days ago, showing the “shameful” state of affairs when it comes to violence against women and children. This year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign for No Violence Against Women and Children should serve as a reminder of how much must still be done to eradicate this form of violence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa wrote in his most recent weekly newsletter that, “…if a nation’s character is judged by how it treats women and children, then we are falling desperately short.” He described the recently-released police crime statistics as “shameful” and wrote that “… we are in the grip of a relentless war being waged on the bodies of women and children that, despite our best efforts, shows no signs of abating.”
“Crimes against our women and children should be rooted out. This 16 days campaign with the global theme, “Orange the world: End violence against women now”, has value in focusing our attention on efforts in this regard once again.”
We need to support the many NPOs and NGOs that work in addressing gender-based violence. But over and above that, I believe you and I can also make a difference.”
“We can do this by following basic safety tips and making sure we share these tips with our loved ones and talk about safe personal habits throughout the year,” says Charnel Hattingh, the head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT.
* It is of utmost importance to trust your instincts. If someone or something makes you feel uneasy, avoid the individual and leave the area. * Contact your private security service provider and ask them if they offer a mobile panic alarm service that can be downloaded to your mobile phone.
* Tell someone where you are going and the time you expect to return. Save to your mobile phone or memorise the details of the person to be contacted in the event of an emergency.
* Be aware of people around you when heading to your vehicle, especially at places like shopping centres, petrol stations, and the likes.
* If you are driving, the first thing to do once you are in your vehicle is to ensure that all the doors are locked. Never drive with a handbag or any other valuable items on a seat or in the view of anyone looking into your vehicle from the outside. There are also safety tips we should share with our children, to help keep them safe from harm.
* They must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. Stick to streets they know and never take shortcuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots and never walk with cell phones and iPads in full view.
* If they get picked up at school, they should never leave the premises but always wait inside the school grounds for their lift to arrive.
* Never get into a stranger’s car; even if the stranger claims that someone they love is hurt and they have been sent to pick them up.
* Consider using a password system. If the person coming to collect you from school cannot repeat the password you and your child have agreed on, they should not get into the car but immediately ask for help.
* If a stranger approaches you, you should not talk to them, no matter how friendly they may seem.
* If your child encounters any suspicious activity, encourage them to get a good look and memorise physical details and clothing and the vehicle they are in.
The 16 Days of Activism is an annual international campaign that kicked off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was started by activists at the inau- gural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. The Centre for Women’s Global Leadership continues to coordinate it each year.
Individuals and organisations around the world use it as an organising strategy to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and children.
