Violence against women and children in eMalahleni needs urgent attention, and residents need to be the key role as another two rapes and assault of GBV was reported to Witbank Police Station.
On September 18 a joyful evening of friends gathering turned into an evening of horror as two teenage girls were allegedly raped by men they knew.
It is believed that one of the friends of these girls was informed that they were raped and immediately took them to the police station to open a case.
In another incident, an underage girl went home allegedly crying hysterically.
As her mother asked her what the reason for her tears was, she told her mom that one of the bigger kids allegedly fondled with her breasts and private parts.
It is believed the girl went and showed out the boy that touched her and her mother went and opened a case.
Underlying the high levels of domestic violence is persistent gender inequality and the harmful use of alcohol, compounded by rising unemployment and poverty as another incident cost a life.
It is alleged that on September 19 a fight between two lovers ended in a crime of passion as the one suspect stabbed his lover to death.
It is not yet known what the commotion was about but the police are investigating the matter.
Witbank SAPS are experiencing a major increase in gender based violence cases reported to Witbank Police Station especially cases where women are being assaulted by their partners.
The station commander brigadier Sifiso Cele said: “Prevention is better than cure and victims of gender based violence should act immediately before the problem escalates to an unmanageable state. Witbank SAPS are against all forms of gender based violence and requested the public to report all gender based violence cases to the police as soon as possible and to take note of the following proactive preventative measures to stop gender based violence.”
- Be informed
Empower yourself with information on the various forms of domestic violence (physical, economic, psychological and sexual abuse) and the cycle of abuse, by reading the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No 116 of 1998). When you know more, you will do more and better to protect yourself.
- Know your rights
Domestic violence is a violation of human rights. Human rights are enshrined in the Bill of Rights, Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No 108 of 1996) and no one is allowed to violate your rights.
- Identify the early warning signs
If you are afraid of your partner, it is a big red flag. You may be scared to say what you think, to bring up certain topics, or to say no to sex. No matter the reason, fear has no place in a healthy relationship. Some of the signs include: Your partner bullying, threatening or controlling you, controlling your money, cutting you off from family and friends, physically or sexually abusing you.
- Open communication
Open and honest communication in the relationship about things such as finances, needs, sex and family, are a must. Express your feelings about the things you like and dislike.
- Premarital counselling
It has huge benefits, which include developing communication skills, planning for the future through building a solid foundation, and discovering new things about yourselves and each other as a couple. It also addresses issues that may arise and could cause conflict in future.
- Talk to your support system
Seek support from your loved ones and the people you trust. This may assist you in making informed decisions.
Who can I contact?
Contact your local police station or any of the following organizations:
| SAPS Crime Stop | 08600 10111 |
| Women Abuse Helpline | 0800 150 150 |
| Childline | 0800 055 555 |
| AIDS Helpline | 0800 012 322 or (011) 725 6710 |
