Unisa online - 16 days of activism: no violence against women and children16 days of activism (25 November-10 December): no violence against women and children The horrific number of rape and murder cases in the country ensures that the prevention of violence against women and children remains high on the public health agenda. Unisa's Institute for Social and Health Sciences and its partner, the MRC-Unisa Crime, Violence and Injury Lead Programme, has for several years collaborated with communities in Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as civil society and other role players in numerous campaigns and activities to prevent violence against women and children, and to prioritise safety as a human right. In South Africa, the 16 days of activism campaign for no violence against women and children is intended to create awareness and advocate that violence against women and children, whether it happens at home or elsewhere, is a human rights violation. To mark the beginning of the 16 days of activism against the abuse of women and children, Unisa's Institute for Social and Health Sciences (ISHS) held a dialogue at the Don Mateman Hall in Eldorado Park. Over 90 community members participated in this event. One of the keynote speakers, Inspector Basset from the Victim Empowerment Centre of the South African Police Service in Eldorado Park, painted a picture of violence against women and children in the area. Inspector Basset addressed various problems affecting the Eldorado Park area, but focused on domestic violence as a major concern. The South African Police Service reports that 36 190 cases of rape and 6 763 cases of indecent assault were reported between April and December 2007. While there has been a decline from numbers reported for April to December 2006, this is a country still in the middle of a war against its women and children. Add to these figures, the 18 487 cases of murders, 18 795 cases of attempted murder, 210 104 cases of assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, and 198 049 cases of common assaults reported between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2008, South Africa is a leader among the most unsafe countries in the world for its citizens and guests, most of whom are the very people in need of protection and care from the state, organisations, families and all of us. In supporting the annual national 16 days of activism, the initiative of Unisa’s Institute for Social and Health Sciences attempts to foster dialogue and awareness of issues of violence against women and children in its areas of operation. This initiative is especially important in the light of the high levels of violence and crime in South Africa. For more information, please contact: Prof Kopano Ratele Other Unisa online News | Latest | Archive |
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