New York, USA: Crimes against women and children are now a national priority for South African Government, Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities Ms Lulu Xingwana told the United Nations 55th Session on the Status of Women (UNCSW) in New York today.
Minister Xingwana was presenting a country statement at the plenary session of the UNCSW, outlining progress and challenges South Africa is facing in improving the status of women in the country.
“In order to reduce violence against women and girls, government has re-introduced the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units within the police service. These units conduct specialised investigations in the detection of all cases of sexual offences, domestic violence and child abuse,” said Minister Xingwana.
Minister Xingwana said the establishment of these units which are operational in all 176 policing areas countrywide, ensures effective access to justice for women and girls.
“In addition, Forensic Social Workers are now provided in all the units in order to assist women and girls in presenting evidence that can improve probability of successful prosecution in a court of law. By introducing these specialised units within the police service, government has ensured that conviction rates are increased,” said Minister Xingwana.
Minister Xingwana also told the UNCSW that South Africa is proud of its global best practice model for providing support to victims of sexual violence, the Thuthuzela Care Programme which is recognised by the United Nations as the best practice model in addressing gender based violence.
A total of 28 Thuthuzela Care Centres have been established to serve as one-stop centre where victims of sexual violence can open a criminal case and get counselling and medical services including ARVs for prevention of HIV, all under one roof.
“The Thuthuzela model weaves together the investigative, prosecutorial and judicial processes into an empathetic and expeditious mechanism of delivering justice to victims while ensuring offender accountability. Our business after all is ending impunity for these crimes and turning victims of violence into survivors,” Minister Xingwana told the UNCSW.
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