The Virginia Partnership Policing and stakeholders conducted an awareness campaign on gender-based violence (GBV), domestic violence, assaults, and rape in Saaiplaas, Virginia.
In conjunction with stakeholders like the Kopano Ke Matla organisation, the Justice Department, the Meloding Victim Empowerment Programme and the Department of Social Development, they empowered residents by informing them about GBV, domestic violence, assaults and rape on Friday, 3 February.
Residents who attended the session could have their questions answered by experts. WO Judith Mphuthi of the Social Crime Prevention unit explained the different kinds of violence that the community of Virginia is experiencing, and she also advised the community on how to report such incidents to the police.
“Mphuthi also urged the men to report if they are abused to the Virginia police station,” says Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa police.
“The police members are well-trained as to how to handle victims of abuse, irrespective if men, children, women or the elderly are involved,” says Thakeng.
Mphuthi introduced the concept of the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP), where victims of these violent crimes can get support from the police. The VEP’s aim is to assist the victims and their families through counselling, help with court dates, and how to deal with the trauma as a result of the crime.
She also explained that there are victim-friendly rooms where the victims can freely report on the crimes they experienced, without any pressure. Pamphlets on GBV, domestic violence, and rape were distributed to the community.
