Say no to violence against women and children
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has launched their 16 Days of Activism on No Violence Against Women and Children.
The campaign runs from November 25 to December 10.
The CGE has partnered with the National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders NICRO to facilitate separate conversations with victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and convicted GBV offenders.
Information will be gathered on their experiences, particularly any secondary abuse experienced by victims at the hands of the justice system.
The launch will culminate into a debate about challenges and the way forward together with other stakeholders.
The CGE will also be presenting findings of the Victims Charter Report of 2013.
The report was a national policy intervention and response (by government stakeholders), placing emphasis on improving the quality of services to victims of sexual assault, with particular emphasis on avoiding secondary victimisation.
Other activities of the CGE during the 16 Days Campaign include public awareness campaigns on gender based Violence among South African communities, where provincial offices will convene a series of dialogues, in partnership with NGOs, and the Human Rights Commission to enhance and increase partnerships.
There will also be monitoring of SAPS in all nine provinces by legal officers to monitor police stations on the number of GBV cases reported during the 16 days period, and ascertain progress in investigation of existing reported cases.
The CGE encourages the public to make use of its toll number, 0800 007 709, during the campaign, to lodge complaints that relate to gender-based violence and in turn their safety and privacy will be guaranteed.
Alternatively, members of the public are encouraged visit CGE offices, which are based in all nine provinces to report such cases.
