As long as violence against women and children remain unreported, the scourge will continue unabated, leaving police powerless to do anything.
In Kraaifontein women from all walks of life took to the streets last Wednesday in a march to create awareness of this heinous crime plaguing the suburb. The march marked the start of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, a campaign by the United Nations held annually from 25 November to 10 December.
Police women, social workers and the community participated in the march that followed a circular route from Kraaifontein Police Station, down Old Paarl Road and the lanes back to the station, handing out hundreds of pamphlets to women, children and members of the public along the way.
“During these 16 days we want to focus on crimes committed against women and children, creating a strong awareness in the community,” said Kraaifontein police spokesperson WO Louise Strydom.
Police stats
She said gender-based and domestic violence are rife in Kraaifontein.
According to the latest police statistics, 40 women were raped in Kraaifontein between July and September, a number Strydom says does not reflect reality as crimes of violence against women and children remain largely under-reported.
Cases of domestic violence are not specifically categorised in police statistics, but included in the count for crimes such as common assault and assault with the intention to do grievous bodily harm. Incidentally, 265 and 145, respectively, of these crimes were reported during the same months.
“So many women are intimidated by their partners, who force them not to work and stay at home,” said Strydom. “Come Friday, many men drink their money away leaving their wives or girlfriends vulnerable to violence, and without the necessary finances to feed the family.
“When cases are reported many women withdraw them afterwards. And in the case of rape, women feel too ashamed to report the crime. Our message to women is, ‘It is not your fault, it is not a shame, you are a victim’. If you don’t report the crime the police cannot help you. We have a safety net for victims consisting of trauma councillors and other role players.”
According to Strydom, obtaining protection orders are more effective than opening assault cases.
“The orders are made by the court, which ensures a faster reaction by police to enforce it.”
She said the police want to bring the message home that the community should join the fight against domestic violence.
“If you hear distress calls from your neighbour contact the police. Or, if you know children are being abused contact the police.”
Strydom referred to new legislation signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa aimed at strengthening efforts to end gender-based violence.
“Among two other pieces of legislation, the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill is aimed to crack down on perpetrators. This act enables members of the community, such as neighbours or family to lodge cases on behalf of the abused women.”
Violence against women and children are everyone’s problem and includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic abuse in a domestic violence set up.
The Domestic Violence Act makes it a legal duty for the South African Police Service to help victims of violence, which includes helping them find suitable accommodation and medical help.
As part of the campaign the police urge women to take more care when it comes to ensuring their safety. “Women should never walk alone, especially at night. Walk in groups and don’t talk on your cellphone,” Strydom said. “Women should also not drive alone at night, avoiding dangerous highways such as the N2 or R300. Before going anywhere they must check their petrol and tyres, as robberies are rife on highways. At home you never, ever open your door to anyone you don’t know, regardless of what they say, and when you go out never leave your drink unattended. Every year we urge women to be more vigilant and aware, guarding against gender-based violence.”
