Time for the abuse to stop

ABUSERS and killers have had the licence of playing God with the lives of helpless women for far too long.

These men have had the liberty of treating the fairer sex like non-entities. This has become normal, but it is unacceptable.

Recently we have seen a spike in the horrendous murders of women, especially by their lovers. What’s even worse is that it’s young girls who are being killed in the name of love. This seems to be more prevalent in Gauteng.

Meanwhile, men have been folding their arms and watching while women are being abused and killed mercilessly by other men. This has been going on for far too long. It has taken the deaths of many women for men to stand up and say enough is enough. And it’s better late than never.

Men have taken a stand and are saying #NotInOurName. By coming out in the open and saying this is wrong, they are confronting the problem head on. They are also partnering with women in the fight against this evil.

Police need to come to the party too. I have heard many stories of police officers (including women) who protect abusers.

The result is that women no longer report abuse to the police because they have lost confidence in the system.

Women need assurance that the law is on their side. At the moment, they feel let down by the system. They also don’t feel safe and protected by the police against their abusers. This must stop.

Yes, women abusers and killers are the minority, but they are terrorising women as if they outnumber us. They also have the courage to do what they are doing because it is socially acceptable.

I hope and trust that the #NotInOurName campaign will change that. Kagiso