JMPD takes a firm stand against Gender-based Violence
In the recent weeks, we have seen several high profile cases of Gender-based Violence (GBV) splashed across headlines.
Millions of women locally and around the country have demanded an end to these abuses, increasingly, people are calling for men to take action as well.
As part of commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), in conjunction with the Emergency Medical service embarked on a motorcade on Wednesday, December 1.
The event was followed with a pledge to eliminate violence against women and children in the country.
The event began at the Dobsonville Mall in the morning and continued on to the Ndingiliza intersection where the group engaged in vigorous discussions with residents.
The engagements are part of the campaign aimed at raising awareness about some of the most rampant human rights violations facing women and children today.
During the motorcade, the crowd called for harsher sentencing of perpetrators of sexual and domestic violence and more restrictions on bails.
Stigma, insufficient legal protections and lack of services all mean violence is rarely even discussed, a situation described as challenging.
JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fitlha, has called on all stakeholders to ensure that this year’s campaign is meaningful and brings change in the lives of all South-African women and children.
“If we can work together as stakeholders, hopefully in the near future we can have less cases of Gender based violence,” added Fitlha.
Residents noted that these conversation have been eye-opening.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual national campaign that started on November 25, and runs until December 10.