GQEBERHA – Police in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro are serious about creating awareness on gender-based violence and are taking their campaign to the streets with an aim of empowering women that domestic violence is a violation of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
SAPS Mount Road female officers went door to door in Holland Park and Kensington areas today handing out pamphlets and encouraging women that they are important and that they matter. The message was clear that their basic human rights should not be violated. The personal interaction with women made a huge difference, as police female members were able to assist, clarify and answer many questions especially on the issue of a protection order.
The one-on-one interaction was also an opportunity to reach out to possible silent victims who are scared to come forward or to approach a police officer at a station for assistance.
In addition, today, SAPS Bethelsdorp Domestic Violence Coordinator, the CPF, members from the Victim Support Centre and Bethelsdorp Women’s Network visited the house of an abused woman in St Francis Street in Ext 28. The woman was repeatedly abused, assaulted and humiliated by her ex-boyfriend until she took a stand and said ’enough is enough’ and reported him to the police. SAPS Bethelsdorp police officers encouraged her to obtain a protection order against him. Due to her plight, the visiting group also handed some groceries to the family.
Gender empowerment programmes such as this is befitting to send a message to women that the journey ahead is still long but we can make a difference if we stand together, encourage one another, support each other and believe in a better future for all the citizens of this country.
Source: South African Police Service
