Police, court employees raise 16 Days awareness
Claremont police held a 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign awareness drive at Kenilworth Centre on Thursday November 24.
Joined by staff from the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court and the Thuthuzela Care Centre, which provides support to rape victims, they spoke to shoppers about where abuse victims could go for help.
“We are partnering with the department of justice to give more information on how members of the public can apply for a protection order,” said Claremont police’s Warrant Officer Lutchmee Chetty.
She encouraged all victims of abuse to come forward and not to suffer in silence.
Wynberg Magistrate’s Court manager Sonia Burgess said each court had a domestic-violence section that dealt with victims of abuse.
“It is important that the court employees stand in solidarity to say we will not be tolerating abuse against women and children,” she said.
Ms Burgess said the courts extended protection orders to children as well.
“We have two intermediaries in the sexual offences courts who assist the children when they need to testify in court. The victims are kept safe in the building where the perpetrator cannot have contact with them,” she said.
To report abuse, call Crime Stop toll free at 086 001 0111, the Stop Gender Violence Helpline at 0800 150 150 or Childline at 0800 055 555. The hotline number for those needing court support is 080 020 0007.
