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Call for an end to Voilence |
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CALL FOR AN END TO VIOLENCE AGAINST VULNERABLE GROUPS
Hundreds of women gathered at the Vosloorus Police Station on Saturday night to hand over a memorandum demanding protection and support against gender-based violence in the community. This was part of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
Led by Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Clr Ntombi Mekgwe, members of the mayoral committee, councilors and partners from the private and non-governmental sectors, the group of activists presented the memorandum to Deputy Minister for Safety and Security Susan Shabangu and acting Vosloorus Police Station Commissioner Senior Superintendent Themba Denge.
Demands stated included the establishment of one-stop service centres where victims of violence and abuse can be assisted, specialized units to handle cases of abuse against women and children, and support in ensuring taxi ranks are crime-free zones.
“We, the residents of Ekurhuleni are gravely concerned about the high rate of rape and other forms of abuse against women and children in our community,” said Mekgwe as she called upon the SAPS to render efficient service towards victims of abuse.
The requests also called for more vigorous training of police officers in investigative work which will assist in increasing the number of prosecutions. This will contribute to perpetrators being awarded lengthier sentences fit for the inhumane crimes they commit.
In accepting the memorandum Shabangu said that fighting against gender-based crime is a year-round priority for the SAPS. “Your memorandum also comes at the right time when the Safety and Security Department has embarked on a process of assessing cases of violence against woman and children and the rate of prosecution,” she announced. The results of the study are to advise the department on what intervention are needed to improve the system.
This is the second year in succession that the Ekurhuleni metro embarked on the Take back the Night march (also dubbed Reclaim the Night) which aims to destroy the fear brought about by the night for many women. After the march activists converged to pray and light candles in commemoration of those who have suffered in the hands of abuse.
The metro and its partners the Department of Safety and Security, Gender Links, Gender and Media South Africa (GEMSA) and the South African Local Government Association in Gauteng will continue with various activities to promote awareness on gender-based violence until December 10.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 December 2008 )
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