‘REMAINING silent will not put an end to domestic violence, but will make matters worse.’
That was the strong message from Richards Bay Magistrate Court Senior Prosecutor, Mbali Mcambi.
Speaking at the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children event held last week at Thandukuphila Community Based Organisation in Nseleni, Mcambi challenged those who have been subjected to all forms of abuse to report it immediately.
‘We are here to say enough is enough. We are calling for all men to stop this abuse against women and children.
‘Even if this campaign will have little impact, we can’t fold our arms and become spectators when we see different forms of abuse against women and children.
‘Many of our women are subjected to assault, emotional and financial, harassment and sexual abuse.’
Mcambi said the campaign was prompted by a high number of cases of domestic violence in the region, in which women and children were the most vulnerable.
‘This message must also be conveyed to our children, even those that are still at school, as they are also subjected to bullying tendencies.
‘We are saying to you all, report abuse to police and other authorities for action to be taken,’ she said.
Men absent
The campaign, organised by the Regional Office of the KZN Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, was also addressed by Regional Court Control Prosecutor for Empangeni Magistrate Court, Mbongiseni Ndwandwe.
Ndwandwe said he was disappointed by the community’s poor attendance at the event, especially men.
‘The reality is that children who are here are mostly innocent. Where are the elders? Where are your parents? Those are the people who need to get this message.’
Ndwandwe, who spoke about human trafficking and traditional harmful practices, also challenged the government to review the slogan for the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, saying men also get abused.
‘We know of cases such as the one of a 14-year-old boy who was raped by a 33-year-old woman, and many others. It would be proper to rephrase the slogan to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Abuse,’ he said.
Other speakers on the day included Nicky Reddy who spoke about Sexual Offences Act, George Ngcongo who touched on the Domestic Violence and Protection from Harassment Act, Amanda Nodada from the National Office of the Minister Michael Masutha, who discussed maintenance issues, and Sbonelo Nhlangulela who dealt with Child Protection.
