Pretoria - Extra measures need to be taken to reverse the tide of violence against women and children in South Africa, says Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana.
One such measure will come in the form an Advisory Council on Violence Against Women and Children, which will be established by the department.
Speaking during her Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, Xingwana said the Advisory Council would comprise key government departments, civil society organisations and other relevant role players.
It will coordinate the implementation of the 365 Days National Plan of Action to End Violence against Women and Children, as well the initiatives by government departments, civil society and other sectors to address violence.
During the course of the year, the department will also focus on promoting the Domestic Violence Act, with the aim to empower victims of violence and communities to use the Act to prevent abuse, the minister said.
"We will be mobilising women to ensure that they do not withdraw cases of abuse but allow the law to take its course," she added.
While Xingwana was encouraged by the firm sentences the courts were handing down in many cases, she also called on the courts to deny bail to suspects charged with the rape and murder of women and children.
She added that there were certain factors, outlined in the Criminal Procedure Act, that a court must take into account before granting bail and that these factors were almost always present in cases of rape and murder involving children.
"Our country has a strong legislative framework protecting the rights of children. As the Department, we will monitor the implementation of all these laws, including the Child Justice Act and the Children's Act," she said.
Other laws that protect children against sexual assault, child pornography and other forms of exploitation needed to be implemented effectively, Xingwana added.
