Statistics show approximately 51,1% (30,5 million) of the South African population is female. A distressing fact is that a report by Statistics SA shows one in five (21%) of these women has experienced abuse at the hands of a partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
International studies have also shown South Africa is one of the countries with the highest rate of sexual violence in the world, with approximately 115 rapes reported every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another report released by Unicef in May this year quoting crime statistics released by the police revealed a sharp increase in cases of violence against women, with 969 murders and 1 485 attempted murders recorded from January to March 2023. The report further indicated that of the 28 children who are violently attacked every day, three do not survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With these statistics it is good to know that the police have a dedicated unit to investigate violent and sexual crimes perpetrated against women and children, arrest the perpetrators and bring them to book. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is a specialised investigation unit consisting of three sections, namely the FCS unit that focuses on investigations, the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (Seci) department and Forensic Social Workers Services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Captain Buks Hanekom, a seasoned police officer with 36 years\u2019 experience, heads the Hermanus FCS Unit, consisting of Warrant Officer Amanda Groenewald, Sergeant Martin Mtholo, Sergeant Nomonde Hlathini, Sergeant Natasha Newman, Constable Tiaan Brooks and Constable Ozuko Bayana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Hermanus FCS Unit serves the towns of Hermanus, Kleinmond, Stanford, Gansbaai, Hawston, Struisbaai, Bredasdorp and Napier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These dedicated detectives investigate cases of family violence involving victims who are 18 years and older, and are related to the alleged perpetrator. It includes charges of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (Assault GBH) and attempted murder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FCS Unit\u2019s mandate also includes child protection, focusing on cases where minors (children under the age of 18) have been the victims of rape, incest, sexual assault, common assault, assault GBH and attempted murder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also investigate the kidnapping and abduction of children, child abuse and neglect and cases involving child pornography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sexual crimes (rape, incest and sexual assault) involving victims above the age of 18 are also investigated by this unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll of these cases are investigated by trained professional FCS investigators of the Hermanus FCS Unit,\u201d explained Hanekom. \u201cWe operate on a 24-hour basis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FCS commander pointed out that all cases of child abuse as well as sexual offences should immediately be reported at a police station. The officials at the police station will then contact the FCS detectives who will investigate the matter and explain the way forward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is imperative that all victims of rape and other sexual offences undergo a medical examination, conducted by a professional medical doctor at any state hospital in your area,\u201d Hanekom stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe purpose of the examination is to collect evidence on the victim\u2019s body, and DNA to link a perpetrator to the incident.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FCS Unit also uses the services of the Department of Social Development in cases where children are involved for their assistance and interventions and preparing the victim for court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur Forensic Social Workers Services are also used in difficult cases where children need to be interviewed with care, and assist in some cases with taking of child\u2019s statement,\u201d Hanekom explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He urged victims not to be afraid to report abuse or sexual crimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou have the right to say no. We are there to assist you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 24\/7 standby number for the Hermanus FCS Unit is 082 522 1023.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Statistics show approximately 51,1% (30,5 million) of the South African population is female. 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