The Springs SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit, along with the Department of Social Development, Springs CPF, the gender-based violence brigade and NPOs spent the better part of last Wednesday morning at the Springs Taxi Rank to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV).
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign is held from November 25 to December 10 every year and forms part of a worldwide campaign to oppose violence against women and children.
Springs police spokesperson Capt Johannes Ramphora said the taxi rank was selected for the awareness campaign because it is an area where both perpetrators and victims are often found.
Also read: Local SAPS hosts GBV campaign
“Some are commuters, others are taxi drivers and owners. We held one on one conversations with people about GBV and the services that are available to help.
“The taxi drivers also have their role to play because perpetrators sometimes talk in taxis, and the taxi driver can convey the message that such conduct is unacceptable in our society and is illegal,” said Ramphora.
Ramphora said that GBV remains a problem in the Springs precinct and incidents of domestic violence often involved people (both perpetrators and victims) who had been drinking.
Other incidents were more opportunistic, such as a person being stranded after work, with no transport to get home.
While speaking to men at the taxi rank, Ramphora explained that men should stop using culture to justify the abuse of their partners or ignoring/not intervening when they see a person being abused.
The officer said that men and young boys need to be active in the fight against GBV.
While domestic violence often affects women, the police emphasised that anybody, man or woman, can be a victim of abuse and that they are duty-bound to help.
Also read: NPOs want GBV to end in Kwa-Thema
“As police, where we see something wrong, we should rectify it. The problem of GBV won’t be solved overnight, but through campaigns like this, we can reach more people,” said Ramphora.
If you or someone you know is being abused, call 10111, the Springs Police Station directly on 011 365 5720/5700 or the sector van in your area.
The police are available 24 hours a day.
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