Mahikeng – President Jacob Zuma has urged those who have been abused - regardless of gender and age - not to remain silent and report the abuse to authorities.
“Our message is clear. The attacks, abuse, rape and killing of women and children are cruel, inhumane and degrading. We call upon women to report the cases of abuse and violence.
“Do not protect the perpetrators. Family members and neighbours must also work with the police to catch the culprits. We also appeal to our courts to hand down harsh sentences to those found guilty,” said President Zuma.
The President said domestic violence in particular must not be taken lightly, insisting that it is not a private matter when a man beats up a woman who happens to be his wife or girlfriend.
“It is a serious crime and our country takes this crime very seriously. We have declared it a priority crime. All community members must treat it equally seriously,” said President Zuma.
On Wednesday, the President launched the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children at Naaupoort in Mahikeng, North West.
The 16 Days of Activism is a United Nations campaign. It takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Count Me In: Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward’.
President Zuma said since South Africa adopted the 16 Days campaign in 1998 as part of building a society that is free of violence, the unity in the delivery of the campaign has been remarkable over the years.
“The success has arisen because of the decision that we took as a democratic South Africa not to cover up, deny or condone violence against women and children. Violence and the abuse of women and children exist and must be fought by all of us,” the President said.
Protected by law
He also said government has done a lot to contribute to a culture of no violence against women and children.
This includes laws designed to deal with violence against women and children such as the Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Offences Act and the Criminal Procedures Act.
“The amendment of our criminal procedure law resulted in laws that restricted bail or demanded life sentences for accused persons and those found guilty of rape of young children,” the President said.
Since August 2013, 40 regional courts around the country have been upgraded into Sexual Offences Courts and are fully operational.
The rebirth of specialized courts has contributed to the increase of the conviction rate in sexual offences from 59% in the 2013/14 financial year to 64% in the 2014/15 financial year.
In 2014/15 the regional courts linked to the Thuthuzela Care Centres reported an increased conviction rate of 68% in these cases.
Sex offender register
Government has also made progress with regards to the sex offender register and this has resulted in many convicted sex offenders restricted from working or doing business in areas that will expose them to children and persons with mental disability.
Since 2012, the entries of sex offenders in the National Register for Sex Offenders took a dramatic increase from 3 526 to 17 500 last year. As at 30 October 2015, the figure hasincreased to 21 495 registered sex offenders.
To promote a justice system that is user friendly to victims, President Zuma said, government, through the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, has deployed 161 intermediaries spread over all Dedicated Sexual Offences Courts.
It has also installed 324 closed circuit TV systems, 49 one-way mirrors and established 222 child testifying rooms.
The President said it is government’s wish to see all criminal courts equipped with these gadgets.
Victim Friendly Rooms
The SAPS has refurbished victim friendly rooms at police stations. The rooms offer privacy to victims so that they are interviewed and have statements taken confidentially. The number of established victim friendly rooms currently is 989 nationwide.
More than 6 000 members within the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units nationally have also been trained by the SAPS on various aspects of dealing with sexual offences.
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Susan Shabangu, said the 16 Days campaign has to reach out to all corners of the country throughout the year.
“We’ve decided that it can’t be just 16 days; 365 days we must commit as government, communities and civil society in fighting the scourge of violence in our communities.
“We are also saying this year that it can’t be just about women… but men need to participate in fighting the scourge of abuse. We won’t combat this if men don’t come forward and assist in fighting the scourge. We can’t say our country is beautiful if the abuse of women continues,” said Minister Shabangu. – SAnews.gov.za
