Report abuse and gender-based violence cases

Gender-based violence remains a priority for police countrywide as the fight continues to eradicate violent crimes and abuse against women, children and vulnerable groups.

The South African Police Services (SAPS) has assured citizens that crimes against vulnerable people will not go unpunished.

Richards Bay police spokesperson, Captain Debbie Ferreira, said police urge family, friends and neighbours, who are often aware of domestic violence cases, to alert the police before it is too late to help a victim.

‘People with information can call the SAPS emergency number 10111 before a crime is committed or when a crime is in progress.

‘Callers who want to remain anonymous can phone the SAPS Crime Stop Number 08600 10111, or send a tip-off via the MySAPS app which can be downloaded on any Android or iPhone.

‘All information received will be treated with confidentiality.

‘We remind the community that failure to report child abuse, neglect and exploitation to the police or social workers, constitutes a criminal offence,’ Ferreira said.

While many South Africans still regard domestic violence as a private matter, this is a criminal offence punishable by law.

According to the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No 116 of 1998) it is:

Any form of abuse which includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic harassment

Damage to property

Stalking

Entry into a person’s home without their consent

Any other abusive or controlling behaviour where such conduct causes harm or may cause harm to a person’s health, safety, or wellbeing

Children have the right not to be treated or punished in a cruel and humiliating way.

Do not keep secrets about abuse. Report it to a caregiver, parent, teacher, family member or the police.

Children must tell their parents about things that make them feel scared, uncomfortable or sad.

Children often show, rather than tell us that something is worrying or upsetting them, so being aware of the warning signs is vital.

When a child is abused, be it physically, emotionally or sexually, there are certain physical indicators and behavioural signs that are evident.

Physical abuse

Sexual abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse Neglect

Exploitation

You must know where your children are at all times

Know their friends and be clear with them about the places and homes they may visit

Listen to your children. Pay attention if they tell you they do not want to be with someone or go somewhere

Be sensitive to any changes in your children’s behaviour or attitude.

Encourage open communication and learn how to be an active listener

There are various specialised victim support services and onestop centres available to help victims:

Thuthuzela care centres: These centres are mainly based at health facilities and aim to reduce secondary victimisation, improve conviction rates and reduce the time for cases to be concluded.

Khuseleka One-Stop centres: These centres provide services for female and child victims of violence, such as trauma counselling and psychosocial support, health care, police services, legal assistance and shelter services. The centres are open 24 hours a day.

SAPS family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) units: FCS units fight against sexual offenses against children, person-directed crimes (where the family is involved), illegal removal of children under the age of 12 and crime facilitated through electronic media.

Apart from the SAPS Crime

Stop number 08600 10111, one can also call the Department of Social Development command centre on 0800 428 428 for help.

If you are abused, you have the right to apply for a protection order at the nearest police station or magistrate’s court.