‘He was battered and bruised , several of his ribs were broken, as he tried to fight off the urge to pass out from the pain, all he could think of was his mummy getting beaten up in the other room…’
Imagine if, for 16 days, there was no rape, no violence and no child abuse. The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign challenges South Africans to declare a truce on violence against women and children.
From November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) till November 10( International Human Rights Day), South Africa takes part in the global act of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
Whilst the campaign runs for 16 days each year, its objectives are reinforced by a year-long programme and a national plan to combat abuse and while South Africa is still home to high levels of violence against women and children, the government, businesses, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and the media are together participating in the drive to increase awareness of the negative impact of violence and abuse on women and children.
The 16 days of activism campaign aims to:
- Challenge the perpetrators of violence to change their behaviour.
- Educate men in helping to eradicate violence and violent behaviour.
- Provide victims with information on services and organisations that can help lessen the impact of violence on their lives, among other issues.
The community as a whole are urged to support the campaign by wearing a white ribbon- a symbol of peace – during the 16-day period to symbolise their pledge to never commit or condone violence against women or children, they are urged to speak out against woman and child abuse, encourage silent female victims to challenge abuse, and ensure that they get help and report child abuse to the police immediately and in turn eradicate bullying behaviour in schools.
In showing their support the Greenwood SAPS together with Safer Cities department will be hosting the 16 days of activism for no violence against woman and children campaign at Corovoca Primary school on Saturday, November 26 at 10:00am.
“All members of the community are invited to attend this outreach campaign which will not only be enlightening to all but also empower them with the tools to identify symptoms of abuse and who to contact, if the need arises,” said W/O Leon Audh.
SAPS Greenwood Park, Safer Cities, the Premiers office, Dept of Health, Childline, Dept of Social Development, Dept of Community participation and support unit, Dept of Education, Durban metro, Dept of Community safety and liaisons, private security companies, Councillors, NGOs, Methodist church, Religious leaders and other relevant departments will be present to inform community members regarding the abuse that is taking place among vulnerable groups, the signs and symptoms to lookout for and what action can be taken.
“We urge one and all to attend, as this will be an interactive campaign between the community and all relevant stakeholders. Amongst some of the VIPS who will be present will be the Honorable Mayor and Colonel M.I.Mngadi (SAPS Greenwood Park station commander)”, added Officer Audh.
For more information please contact :
W/O L. Audh
(Communications officer)
Landline (031)5716521
Wear your white ribbon and gear up for the support of the 16 days of non violence.