Policemen stand together against abuse

The West Rand Cluster Police recently celebrated International Men’s Day.

International Men’s Day was held this year on Saturday, 19 November. The day before, the police’s Men for Change Forum celebrated through dialogues with the community and visits to orphanages and schools.

The police also decided to start their 16 Days of Activism which is held from 25 November to 10 December early, in order to send a stronger message to the West Rand community.

“By combining the two, we want to send a strong message that men have the power to stop domestic violence and sexual harassment. Women should have a strong self-image, be assertive and be strong enough to stand up for themselves. Domestic violence and sexual harassment are mainly about power and control. The image that women have of their fathers often plays an important role in how women perceive men,” said Constable Lucky Matome, the Tarlton Police spokesperson.

The event kicked off with a prayer at the Krugersdorp non-commissioned officers’ canteen and spread to the Krugersdorp taxi rank where members of the police force handed out pamphlets to create awareness about women and child abuse.

Matome said the purpose of the event was to educate and remind men about the crucial role they play in abuse.

One of the many speakers, Warrant Officer Langeni from the police’s Employee Health section spoke on issues surrounding lifestyle, financial management and balance with work life. She also encouraged men to be patient with themselves as they often put unnecessary pressure on themselves.

Akani Maluleka, the chairperson of the West Rand Cluster Men for Change Forum, shared his tips on how men can play a role in the prevention of women and child abuse before the men departed. He closed off by telling them not to be without hope in the fight against abuse, being without hope means being without a purpose.

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.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!