#EldosBreakingDShackles yields positive results, Eldos

The #EldosBreakingDShackles campaign aimed at addressing the myriad of issues afflicting the Eldorado Park community, generated a positive response from residents. The campaign, a joint partnership between the Local Drug Action Committee (LDAC) and the South African Police Services ran from November 28 to December 2 and wound up in Extension Eight.

According to Cheryl Pillay, LDAC chairperson, an average of 100 service users visited the three sites daily to seek assistance. Eldorado Park police maintained a high visibility and pledged to continue the partnership into the New Year.

Pillay mentioned a number of cases which highlighted the need for service delivery to be brought to the community through close interaction with those affected. Acting on tip-offs from the community, a total of 16 homes were visited where abuse of the elderly, child abuse and domestic violence occurred on a regular basis.

This resulted in the removal of eleven children from these homes and the transfer of social grants to the caregivers the children were placed with.

Models took on the mannequin challenge to depict the effects of violence against women and children in the video below:

The campaign targeted all forms of abuse and Pillay commented, “This week has brought to the fore just how necessary campaigns such as #Eldosbreakingdshackles are within the Eldorado Park community and that residents can help alleviate the ever worsening situation by speaking out against any form of abuse.”

A total of 24 substance abuse dependant people were referred to Empilweni Treatment Centre at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, and a number of domestic violence cases reported. These cases are under investigation and protection orders have been instituted against offenders.

This multi-pronged approach to providing relief to #EldosBreakingDShackles campaign yields positive results affected residents has proved effective, and Pillay has urged the Eldorado Park community to speak out against all forms of abuse as LDAC and SAPS will continue providing support services through ‘blitzes’ on homes where this is taking place.

A number of community leaders can be heard in the audio below, expressing their views around the #EldosBreakingDShackles campaign:

She added, “It is my fervent wish that the Eldorado Park community go through the festive period safely and my prayer is that we see a reduction in these alarming numbers.”

Anyone wishing to report instances of abuse may contact Cheryl Pillay via text message or on WhatsApp on 061 410 1734. The Eldorado Park police station commander, brigadier Pieter van Dyk may also be contacted on 082 556 4812.

Please see related stories below

#EldosBreakingDShackles giving victims a voice, Eldos 
#EldosBreakingDShackles service delivery blitz on course, Eldos 
LDAC plans to launch 16 Days of Activism, Eldos