In South Africa a woman is raped every 36 seconds and a child goes missing every six hours. More than 100 cases of child abuse are reported every week.
The 16 days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign, was officially launched by President Jacob Zuma in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, on 25 November. According to President Zuma the number of people serving life sentences for violence against women and children has increased dramatically since 2010.
Recent weeks have been rife with examples of violence. In October, the bodies of 2- year- old Yonelisa Mali and her cousin Zandile Mali, 3, were found in a toilet cubicle. Five men were arrested and charged with rape and murder. Four year old Teagrin Morris from Delmore Gardens, near Reiger Park, died after his parents’ car was hijacked. Teagrin got stuck in the seatbelt and was dragged along the road and later found dead. On 12 November a 7 month old baby was found dead and mutilated in a shack in Diepsloot; the mother and her boyfriend were arrested for the crime.
The 16 days campaign is held once a year and the theme for this year is “Count me in”. While this campaign runs for only 16 days each year, its objectives are reinforced by a year-long programme and a national plan to combat abuse.
The aim of the campaign is to:
- Challenge the perpetrators of violence to change their behaviour.
- Involve individuals in helping to eradicate violence.
- To provide survivors with information on services and organisations that can help lessen the impact of violence in their lives.
What can you do?
Wear a white ribbon in support of the campaign to symbolise your commitment never to commit or to condone violence against women or children.
- Speak out against women and child abuse. Encourage silent victims to get help. Report child abuse to authorities immediately.
- Men and boys should be encouraged to talk about abuse and actively discourage abusive behaviour.
- Families should create a safe environment for women and children.
- Parents and adults must make sure that children are not exposed to inappropriate sexual and violent material.
- Volunteer your time, energy and money in support of a non-governmental organisation working in your area to help women and children.
- Seek help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abusive to your partner and/or children. Call the Stop Gender Based Violence helpline on 0800 150 150.
- Report illegal guns to the police. Women are three times more likely to die violently if there is a gun in the home.
- Join a community policing forum to help fight crime in your area. Contact your local police station for more information.
Child abuse, sexual and domestic violence are amongst the most destructive experiences affecting women and children. The wide prevalence of such violence takes an enormous toll on the lives of the individual victims as well as on society through innumerable behavioural, health, psychological and economic consequences. Government is sending out a strong message to the country to join this campaign as a community issue.
Source: City Press, www.westerncap.gov.za, www.thenewage.co.za, www.soutafrica.info, www.apa.org
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
