‘Women are not supposed to be abused’

Members of the Westonaria Police recently distributed abuse and domestic violence prevention information pamphlets to members of the community at Westonaria’s Pick n Pay.

The project was run through the Westonaria Police Women’s Network. Its members took to the streets to create awareness about social crimes, specifically those targeted at women, and told residents how to go about reporting these incidents.

The members did not only hand these pamphlets to women, they also gave them to men, because men play a vital role in preventing of this kind of abuse. The message was well received by community members.

Sergeant Audrey Sefara, Social Crime Prevention Officer for the Westonaria Police said they want to educate women about the different kinds of abuse and how to get support if they are abused. “We want women to know that they are not supposed to be abused. Women should report wrongdoings immediately,” Sefara said.

Their pamphlet, entitled Dealing with abuse and domestic violence gives information about different forms of abuse, provides safety and counselling tips, and also tells readers how to get legal support. The pamphlet also includes information about child abuse and what it entails, including physical abuse, child neglect, bullying and terrorising.

Sefara added abuse and domestic violence is not limited to physical violence but can also include harassment, stalking, kidnapping and endangerment.

How to avoid domestic violence:

• Make sure you have easy access to a phone.

• Always carry a list of numbers to call in an emergency.

• If you leave home, try to take your important valuables, such as your bank card and identity document with you.

One of the supporting organisations listed is Ikhaya Lethemba (IKLT), which provides services for victims of abuse and domestic violence. The organisation is able to give victims accommodation for a certain period of time, provides therapeutic services, enables skills development such as making jewellery, and provides psycho-social support.

The women distributing these pamphlets were not only police officers; the cleaners and administrative staff from the police station also took part in the campaign.

To report abuse or domestic violence services, contact:

• Lifeline: 011 422 4242

• Child Line: 08000 55 555

• National Crisis helpline: 0861 322 322

• Lifeline: Stop gender-based violence helpline: 0800 150 150

• People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA): 011 642 4345

• South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 0800 567 567

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.

Also read: 

Wawa fronts activism against women and child abuse 

Police fight against women and child abuse 

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