The Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison today held a successful Domestic Violence Act educational outreach programme in Ritchie at Rietvale Community Hall with stakeholders and community members.

The Department continues to educate various communities and stakeholders across the Province on the Domestic Violence Act and how it can enhance and impact on everyday life.  It is important that communities know that Domestic Violence comes in various forms and it is not only limited to physical abuse but also emotional and financial, amongst other forms.

Director overseeing the Social Crime Prevention unit in the Department, Cathering Jonkers, said the outreaches are to inform communities about the Domestic Violence Act so that they can be able to recognise what domestic violence is, how it occurs, why it should be reported and also how to prevent it.  She said it was important that it is reported so that the victims can also receive the necessary support through the various avenues that are available to them.  

The Department works along with various stakeholders such as SAPS, Sister-Departments and non-governmental organisations to be familiarised with the Act to ensure as many people as possible are informed of the Act.

Speaking at the outreach in Ritchie, Ms Dipuo Anthony from the Department said, “…abuse is a serious problem that is high amongst women and children but not exclusive to them as it also affects all genders of society.”

“We need to work together with the police to stop domestic violence and unfortunately it is difficult to police domestic violence as it mainly happens behind closed doors but the community has the power to break those boundaries by exposing and reporting it to authorities.  We can also curb it by getting informed and informing others on what domestic violence is,” said Anthony.

She emphasised that domestic violence took shape in many forms such as sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial (withholding financial support), intimidation and harassment… It applies to parental relationships, partners whether they are married or not, even people that live together...” 

Attending the fruitful session, Ritchie LoveLife representative, Cleopatra Louw said, “I have learned a lot through this session of the Department.  I didn’t realise the different types of abuses that can occur but now my eyes have truly been opened and will be in a better position to share what I know with others.”

SAPS’ Kimberley Cluster Commander, Major General Jean Abrahams, in her address said the more domestic violence is reported, the more it will be exposed and people needed to report it.

She said that police had the responsibility to assist complainants of domestic violence and also to comply with the Act.

“We must also learn as people that as much as we can be taught about our rights, those rights also come with responsibilities.  If you make a protection order against someone, it shouldn’t apply only when it is suitable for you and on days it doesn’t, you disregard it.”

She added that all members of the community had a role to play in stopping domestic violence, “we must join hands with our police and work together in decreasing crime in our communities.” 

End.

For any media clarity please contact:

Ms Keitumetse Moticoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison
074 251 6567 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)   053 839 1769

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Issued by the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison