Whatshot
Legal Talk
Legal Talk
Author: Fawzia Khan
Date: 2014-12-05
Date: 2014-12-05
Source: https://www.south africa.info
Imagine if, for 16 days, there was no rape, no child abuse. The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign challenges South Africans to declare a truce on violence against women and children - and, ultimately, to make it a permanent one. For the 16th year, South Africa is taking part in the global 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) through to International Human Rights Day on 10 December. While the campaign runs only for 16 days each year, its objectives are reinforced by a year-long programme and a national plan to combat abuse. South Africa is still home to high levels of violence against its women and children, despite a world-renowned Constitution and a legislative overhaul that safeguards women's and children's rights.
The government, business, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and the media are all participating in the drive to increase awareness of the negative impact of violence and abuse on women and children. South Africans are urged to support the campaign by wearing a white ribbon - a symbol of peace - during the 16-day period to symbolise their commitment to never commit or condone violence against women or children.
Other ways of supporting the campaign:
- Speak out against woman and child abuse. Encourage silent female victims to challenge abuse, and ensure that they get help. Report child abuse to the police immediately. Encourage children to report bullying behaviour to school authorities.
- Men are critical partners in the fight against the abuse of women and children. Men and boys are encouraged to talk about abuse and actively discourage abusive behaviour.
- Families must stick together to create a safe environment for women and children.
- Parents and adults can make sure that children are not exposed to inappropriate sexual and violent material.
- Volunteer some of your time and energy in support of a non- governmental organisation or community group working in your area to help abused women and children. Use your life skills and knowledge to help support victims of abuse.
- Donate some money to organisations working to end violence against women and children.
- Engage in online dialogues which provides a platform to share issues and experiences and offer solutions, with experts participating in the online chats.
- Get connected with important contacts and information published on https://www.womensnet.org.za.
- Seek help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abusive to your partner and/or children. Call the Stop Gender Based Violence helpline on 0800150150.
- Report illegal guns to the police - according to the International Action Network on Small Arms Women's Network, women are three times more likely to die violently if there is a gun in the home.
- Join a community policing forum (CPF) or community safety forum (CSF) to help fight crime in your area. For information on how to join, contact your local police station.
Know your rights! The Law Desk of Fawzia Khan & Associates. We Know! We Care! We Deliver! Email fawzia@thelawdesk.co.za or call 031-5025670 for legal assistance at competitive rates.
