The law of the land still fails victims and survivors of gender-based violence and awareness must be brought to this issue, says the Mitchell’s Plain United Residents’ Association (MURA) court coordinator.
A demonstration was held on Friday December 6 by MURA, Safeline Child Abuse Treatement and Prevention Centre, MOSAIC Training Service and Healing Centre and Khulisa Social Solutions, who have formed a movement called Safe Platforms.
Ntombebala Mtuqwana, social auxiliary worker for Mosaic, said justice must be served 365 days of the year, not limited to 16 days.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign is a UN campaign that takes place annually from November 25 (International Day of No Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).
Mosaic offers psycho-social support to victims and social workers help survivors of gender-based violence. The counselling is not enough but “we help support them holistically and refer them if need be,” said Ms Mtuqwana.
Mura and Mitchell’s Plain Community Police Forum (CPF) court coordinator, Linda Jones, stood outside the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court with women from the various organisations.
As part of the 16-day campaign, they we’re opposing the leniency of the court for bail for perpetrators.
She said courts were inconsistent. “So many gun charged offenders are (found) not guilty because witnesses are afraid to testify against them.”
The laws of the country need to change, she said. “Our law is outdated with the way crime is being committed in this generation. Crime is so high and intense. Our justice system is out of touch with the crime that is happening,” said Ms Jones.
Roshanne Hugo, from Khulisa Social Solutions NGO, said they offer programmes to help victims of gender-based violence and raise awareness.
“Victims are scared to speak out. Our law is failing our victims. They have no protection for the victim’s safety. Sometimes victims are intimidated by perpetrators and their family and friends. The only thing we can do is continue to create awareness and create safe ways to speak out.”
The organisations encouraged victims of abuse to report these crimes.
“The road to recovery and healing takes time that must be followed by several follow up sessions. There is progress but we have a long way to go,” said Ms Hugo.
Contact SAPS on 10111 to report a crime or Mosaic on 021 761 7585 or Khulisa NGO on 081 848 5900 or their Cape Town office on 021 465 6112 or Safeline’s toll free number 08000 35553 for help.
