The 16 Days of Activism campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide has played a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for policy changes since its inception.
However, as we confront the alarming crime statistics emerging from Gauteng — where police stations report staggering increases in sexual offences — we must recognise that a mere 16 days of heightened awareness is not enough.
The fight against GBV and femicide requires a comprehensive commitment that spans 365 days a year, with a specific focus on community safety elements.
Recent reports reveal that Gauteng is home to 11 of the top 30 police stations for sexual offences in South Africa. These types of crimes have increased by 83% in Roodepoort and 35% in Jeppe Station. These numbers are not statistics; they represent lives disrupted by violence and fear.
The reasons behind these increases are multifaceted and extend beyond mere crime rates to encompass broader societal issues that require a holistic response.
We must understand that GBV is not a crime and community safety issue — it is deeply intertwined with various other economic and social problems.
The advent of social media and dating platforms has created new vulnerabilities for women. Predators exploit these channels to lure individuals into unsafe situations under the guise of glamorous opportunities or romantic pursuits.
Victims are also often left isolated and intimidated, sometimes coerced by family and friends into withdrawing cases, further perpetuating the cycle of violence. This highlights that GBV is not solely a crime issue; it is a societal crisis.
To effectively combat GBV and femicide, we must shift our focus from a reactive to a proactive approach. Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s proposals for panic buttons and increased police presence are steps in the right direction, but they are insufficient.
Without proper training and support at the grassroots level, these resources will ultimately be useless. We need to rethink our strategies and commit to year-round initiatives that address the root causes of GBV.
Undeniably, economic factors play a significant role in perpetuating GBV. When unemployment strikes and financial security slips away, individuals can find themselves in precarious positions that make them susceptible to violence.
Therefore, addressing economic inequality through job creation and educational initiatives should be a cornerstone of our strategy.
Likewise, we must tackle the social determinants of GBV, such as substance abuse and mental health issues. By providing resources for addiction treatment and mental health support, we can alleviate some of the stressors that contribute to violence.
Community programmes that promote healthy relationships and conflict resolution can also mitigate the risks associated with GBV.
To effectively combat GBV, we need to enhance police visibility in areas with high rates of violence against women and children. A stronger police presence can deter potential offenders and provide reassurance to victims.
However, increased visibility must be coupled with adequate resources at police stations, enabling officers to respond effectively to GBV cases.
Moreover, the conditions at these police stations must be conducive to supporting victims. This involves giving police officers the necessary training on how to properly and sensitively manage GBV situations.
Victims often face secondary trauma upon arrival at police stations due to a lack of understanding and empathy from law enforcement.
Additionally, we need to invest in training detectives to better profile perpetrators. Investigators play a crucial role in the legal process, and their proficiency directly impacts the success of prosecutions.
A multimodal strategy that emphasises job creation, educational activities, resource access, and a sense of safety within communities is necessary because of the interconnectivity between community safety, economic issues, and GBV.
This involves engaging with community members in discussions about GBV and safety, motivating them to actively participate in prevention efforts.
Programmes that promote healthy relationships, conflict resolution, and awareness of GBV can empower individuals to take a stand against violence in their neighbourhoods. Meanwhile, community-driven initiatives can help identify high-risk areas and mobilise resources for enhanced safety measures.
Specifically, we must engage men and boys in this conversation. Promoting respect, empathy, and accountability among young males is crucial in dismantling the toxic norms that perpetuate violence.
Educational initiatives targeting this demographic can foster a culture of respect and allyship, turning potential bystanders into advocates for change.
Moving from a 16-day campaign to a year-round commitment requires collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and community organisations. It is essential to present a united front prioritising the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable.
By pooling resources and fostering partnerships, we can create a comprehensive approach that addresses GBV through various community safety elements.
In conclusion, the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide is ongoing and requires our unwavering commitment.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng will continue to push for the proposed comprehensive strategy to combat GBV and femicide.
We encourage all residents of Gauteng to take action now and commit to 365 days of activism, advocacy, and efforts against gender-based violence and femicide.
Crezane Bosch MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety
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