GBV and Drug Abuse door-to-door campaign held in Eersterust
“The community also needs to be informed about gender-based violence and the dangers of drug abuse.”
The Eersterust police partnered with People Against Abuse, SANCA, Department of Community Safety, Social Development, and local CPF to host a door-to-door campaign addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and drug abuse in the area.
The campaign took place earlier today and was focused on residents of Huis Vir Almal Squatter camp and the Riverside flats.
“Domestic violence and drug abuse is a thorn in the flesh as it dehumanises the victim and renders them vulnerable to other crimes as well,” said Sergeant Sam Shibambo, spokesperson of the Eersterust police.
About 500 pamphlets with information about GBV and drug abuse were handed out to residents in both areas. Residents were allowed to speak to all role players involved at an information truck stationed at the Riverside flats.
“Our biggest challenge here in Eersterust is drug-related problems,” said Henry Godfrey, deputy chairperson of the Eersterust CPF.
Godfrey said he wasn’t pleased with the overall engagement of community members but understood that most of them were still at work. He said he hoped a similar campaign would be hosted again when everyone was hopefully not at work.
“The community needs to be mobilised and needs to join the CPF. They also need to be informed about gender-based violence and the dangers of drug abuse,” said Godfrey.
Residents who were able to participate during the campaign mentioned that they were concerned about GBV and drug abuse in the area.
Police urged residents to seek help for people addicted to drugs rather than judging or ostracising them from the community.
“We have asked the residents of Riverside Flats to notify police about all drug-related crimes happening in the area because most of them complain about these crimes happening right in front of their doorsteps,” said Shibambo.
The police also asked residents to report all forms of GBV to the police on 012 806 1021 or 10111 or at the GBV command centre 0800 428 428/SMS *120*7867.
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