Akasia police and various stakeholders shine light on GBV
“When it comes to GBV particularly, our statistics tell us that the fight is still ongoing.”
Akasia police in conjunction with various stakeholders engaged in an anti gender-based violence community dialogue to remind women that no case of GBV is a family secret and every one of them must be treated with urgency.
The GBV command centre (GBVCC) under the Department of Social Development together with SAPS, Department of Justice, and the local CPF saw it fit to host the event and honour women in the community, on August 9, while emphasizing the challenges they face in their daily lives.
“There’s nothing to celebrate as women are still facing abuse on a daily basis,” Lieutenant-Colonel Phina Leotlela said.
“It is no lie to say that the women in the country are not as free and do not really differ from the women of 1956 who marched to the Union Buildings in opposition of the Dompas laws that were in place.
“Women today are battling GBV, inequality in the workplace and femicide among others. When it comes to GBV particularly, our statistics tell us that the fight is yet continuing and we should prepare to go to war with the perpetrators that are on a mission to continue promoting this scourge.”
She added that the community and the police needed each other more than ever at this point.
“Let us join hands and fight a battle and one day we will win.”
GBV activist Caroline Oyiya recently urged the members of the community to report cases of GBV to the police or community members before it is too late.
She said people who are afraid of going to the police can still report incidents to other community members such as close friends, relatives or the GBVCC.
Community members that have experienced or are aware of incidents of GBV may report the cases to the police, the national GBVCC on 0800 428 428, the Stop Gender Violence helpline on 0800 150 150 or via *120*7867#.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
