The department condemns the alleged kidnapping and shooting of a woman by her partner in Soweto yesterday. This incident is a painful reminder of many women who have perished at the hands of their partners and close relatives.
Despite the marking of International Women’s Day yesterday, which was meant to affirm the rights of women, we still face the reality of domestic violence and its consequence of intimate femicide which is increasingly becoming a challenge internationally, denying women their inherent dignity and freedoms.
It is important that, as a nation, we continue to look for sustainable solutions to deal with domestic violence, in particular intimate femicide. Hence, the Department has developed a My Safety Plan, to assist victims to escape unharmed and reach for the much needed social and economic support.
To augment this effort, the department is facilitating dialogues on intimate femicide, during Human Rights Month, with a view to raising awareness of this scourge. The Department urges all sectors of society to participate in these dialogues.
Our homes must not be turned into dens of violence and trauma, but havens of safety and growth. We urge all communities to take advantage of the applicable laws and report incidences of domestic violence and avoid the loss of life.
The department extends its support to the victim of yesterday’s the incident and implores all citizens to actively promote and affirm the Constitutional rights of all in society.
Enquiries:
Mthunzi Mhaga
Cell: 0836418141
E-mail: Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za
