Sandton police host domestic violence seminar to address key issues

The Sandton Police Station hosted a Domestic Violence Seminar in order to discuss gender-based violence and human trafficking and to make the community aware of gender-based violence in the Sandton policing district.

The seminar aimed to help empower the community and provide them with the necessary knowledge to report various crimes and put them in touch with various non-governmental organisations that can assist.

Angie Makwetla, from the Human Rights Commission, highlighted that South Africa is going through a very turbulent period and each person has a responsibility to add value to their community. She highlighted that women in the country still face an incredibly high rate of violence and women from poorer households are even more likely to experience violence.

“Government and non-government organisations need to seek to increase focus on approaches to violence prevention, that recognise the lifelong influences on a child who witnesses violence,” said Makwetla.

Constable Ovuwa Ramafamba, from the Johannesburg North Policing Cluster, who faced domestic violence herself, highlighted the importance of women speaking out about domestic violence and seeking the necessary help.

Ramafamba said, “The country could have lost a good member, the Saps itself, could have lost someone with so much potential, I can be of good use when I’m alive, but when you are dead, you’re only good for a graveyard.”

Margie Fann, a trauma counsellor for Sandton Victim Empowerment, said that as a trauma counsellor she assists people who have experienced a traumatic experience. She added that it is not about trying to fix anything but rather offering your full attention, giving no judgement and being emotionally available to support people.

Penny Steyn, who runs the Making a Difference programme, which offers lessons to domestic workers about how to protect themselves, said that one of the biggest problems is that the police face is a lack of information.

“If we zip our lips and they don’t know what is happening, it could be disastrous.”

Members of the police and the non-government organisations highlighted that during future seminars they hope more community members will participate and engage in order to learn valuable lessons.

Details: Sandton Police Station 011 722 4331.

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