With domestic abuse a concern, Norwood policing authorities and community leaders recently launched a campaign aimed at addressing the community on issues around gender-based violence.
The campaign was launched by the Norwood SAPS team, together with community authorities, at the Norwood Mall on September 3.
Sergeant Eric Msothsha, Norwood police spokesperson, said police were concerned about the rise in incidents of domestic violence in the area and that the campaign was a response to this.
He said that the mall’s awareness drive was a team effort comprising members of the SAPS, Lifeline, the Norwood Community Policing Forum (CPF), Community Safety and Adcock. Norwood Police Station Commander Colonel Phetule Mahasha was also in attendance, as a bold statement to the public that the police take gender-based violence seriously.
The Norwood authorities also addressed commuters at the mall on issues of substance abuse at the same time, as part of their LEANONME campaign.
Constable Mohure Wilson Mamabolo, from the Norwood Police Social Crime Prevention unit, gave information on the dangers of cough syrup with codeine, explaining it was currently being used as a drug by youth, and was destructive and addictive.
The official SAPS site, at www.saps.gov.za, explains that domestic violence is regulated by the Domestic Violence Act. The following can be regarded as domestic violence: sexual abuse (whether you are married to the other person or not); physical abuse or assault (for example, slapping, biting, kicking, and threats of physical violence); damage to property or anything you value; stalking (when the other person follows or approaches you or your children repeatedly); economic abuse (using money to coerce, control or manipulate); emotional abuse (that is, degrading or humiliating behaviour, including repeated insults, belittling, cursing and threats); and any other controlling or abusive behaviour which poses a threat to your safety, health or well-being.
“It is the commitment of the SAPS to treat victims of domestic violence with sensitivity and care. As police officials we will treat victims with respect and protect your dignity; listen to what victims have to say; not insult or blame or suggest that it was their own fault that they were abused; assist you with empathy and care; and inform victims of their rights and options.”
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