Domestic violence campaign is under way in Fezile Dabi
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport embarked on a door-to-door campaign to raise awareness on domestic violence in Fezile Dabi District as part of the 2014 Safety Month campaign. The aim of the campaign is to educate communities about domestic violence and to inform them about their legal rights in such situations.
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in a relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over intimate partners or close relatives. It is a serious crime against society and the occurrences thereof unfortunately escalated in South Africa.
The Domestic Violence Act of 1998 (Act no 116 of 1998) classify domestic violence into five categories:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse, and:
- Child abuse
In addition to the above, intimidation, harassment, stalking, damaging of Property and entry into the residence of the victim without consent, where the parties do not share the same residence, also qualifies as Domestic violence.
The campaign is running in four towns from 17 - 20 February 2014. This campaign is done jointly with the South Africa Police Service in identified towns. About 400 volunteers including members of Community Policing Forum (CPFs) are participating in the door-to-door Campaign and they also distribute pamphlets with information on Domestic violence to community members.
Already three very successful campaigns were held in Frankfort, Heilbron and Sasolburg. The last campaign in the Fezile Dabi District will take place today in Oranjeville.
This Safety Month marks the 20th year of democracy in South Africa and the Department is working around the clock to educate and encourage victims of Domestic violence who are always the most vulnerable members of our society namely, women and children, to report these crimes.
Enquiries:
Saki Mohono
Cell: 082 385 5600
