The multi-faceted dialogue on Gender Based Violence, attended by various stakeholders from different entities, was yesterday, on Monday 30 August 2021 held at Makhuduthamaga Municipality in Jane Furse. Constable Maphure Manamela attached to the Provincial Media Centre participated in the session which was broadcast live on Sekhukhune FM.
The initiative is aimed at seeking solutions on the escalation of incidents of Gender Based Violence and Domestic Violence across the province. Incidents of Gender Based Violence that comes in the form of physical, sexual, emotional, financial or structural. The perpetrators can be anyone, from intimate partners to acquaintances, strangers or institutions.
Constable Manamela in her presentation, elaborated on the following topics:
▪Police have strengthened and placed far greater emphasis on the prevention of violent crimes against women and children through forging partnerships with all the stakeholders, including schools, community based organisations, the media, local government, traditional and religious groups and private sectors- as well as criteria developed to monitor the effectiveness of these campaigns.
▪The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in the province, has made significant strides in securing justice for victims and have been beefed up with more members. The Detectives continue to work tirelessly and diligently on cases to secure multiple life sentences.
▪There are also separate Gender Based Violence Services centers at the police stations such as the Victim Empowerment Service where women feel safe and free to talk. In addition, police officers within stations continue to undergo specialised sensitivity training in order to provide a professional service to the community members.
▪ Bringing men and women together in the fight against scourge of Gender Based Violence through the Women’s Network and Men for Change structures which have been revived in all the Districts. The Women’s Network was first established to champion the rights of the most vulnerable groups in the society and to ensure female emancipation is realised.
Whereas, Men for Change deals mainly with the antically role of eradicating Gender Based Violence and the challenges faced by men in Policing. The objective of the programme among others, is serving as motivational structure that increases awareness and contributes to changing attitudes and stereotypes on gender based violence.
In concluding the presentation, she outlined that although it is advisable for any person to lodge a complaint at respective local police stations, when all attempts to get assistance from the station have failed, you may contact the District Commissioner if you don’t get joy one may proceed to the Provincial Management Intervention Component.
Source: South African Police Service
