TIME TO STAND AS ONE AGAINST RAPE

THE fact that sexual assault and rape are violent crimes is only now being acknowledged by men.

Until very recently, a man could do whatever he wanted in his home (and often outside it) – “his home was his castle”. South Africa condoned a culture of violence against women. Attitudes have begun to change, but evidently not enough. Let us not go backward in the work that has been done to prevent violence against women.

The way to promote healing is to uncover wrongdoing and face the consequences. Otherwise, it’s just more of the old cover-up.

We are at a watershed moment for sexual harassment and violence against women and it’s time for us to come forward and say we’re not going to tolerate it.

We must come together to show our community that we are dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual violence and that their voices matter.

It is time for us to say to those who have been impacted by sexual violence: “We are here for you – we are committed to creating a culture that listens to and empowers survivors of sexual assault and promotes the prevention of this crime”.

We must connect our communities with the resources to support those affected by sexual violence.

Shaista Mia

Durban