16 days to focus on responsible drinking
The 16 Days of Activism campaign against violence towards women and children was officially launched locally on Saturday 25 November at the Rheenendal community hall.
The launch was one of the events that will be hosted by Knysna SAPS in conjunction with the Knysna CPF, Knysna Alcohol and Drug Centre, the Department of Social Development, and EMS during the holiday season.
This event was also attended by the SAPS Eden cluster commander, Major General Oswald Reddy, and the Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies.
“This year’s campaign will especially focus on responsible drinking. Drug and alcohol abuse are some of the major contributing factors that lead to women and children abuse,” said Knysna police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies.
He said the purpose of hosting these events is to create more awareness around the issue of gender-based violence and to provide information and educate the community throughout the campaign.
The Tsitsikamma K9 unit ended the programme of the day with a demonstration by the trained SAPS dogs.
Prior to the launch, role players visited Concordia Primary School to discuss child abuse, the rights of minors and to give them safety tips for the upcoming festive season.
This visit coincided with the handing over of a present to Concordia Grade 3 learner Lucia Phillips whose colouring-in poster won a competition launched earlier in November. Spies said the police will put special focus on crimes relating to women and children during the campaign.
A similar event will also be held in at Pride Store in Hornlee on Sunday 3 December at 15:00.