With the Domestic Violence Amendment (DVAA) coming into effect in April this year, the implications of the act and others were among the topics discussed at an information session hosted by Mosaic at the Strandfontein Library on Wednesday 6 December.
As part of their 16 days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, the Strandfontein Community Policing Forum in partnership with Strandfontein Police, victim support unit and Mosaic hosted an information session at the Strandfontein Library on Wednesday 6 December.
The session offered residents an opportunity to ask questions about protection orders, interdicts, gender-based violence (GBV) and assistance offered by the organisations and partners.
With the Domestic Violence Amendment (DVAA) coming into effect in April this year, the implications of the act and others were among the topics discussed.
The definitions of sexual violence, rape and other assault were also shared.
Thembani Dyule of Mosaic says the organisation offers several programmes. These include addressing men and boys as well as women and girls to create environments that foster better relationships.
Their empowerment programme also assists women who have left abusive relationships to create and sustain employment through skills development, such as sewing.
The cycle of violence repeating based on that experienced by their parents in childhood was one of the observations shared by those in attendance.
READ | ‘Take care of kids’ even after 16 Days campaign, says Observatory-based organisation Molo Songololo
Sandy Schuter, CPF chair says the implications of the act ensure that anyone aware of an act of violence must bring this to the attention of authorities.
Dyule agrees that while this is the responsibility of anyone who is entrusted with this information, it is not the role of anyone other than authorities to understand how and what has happened.
Schuter says much around the act is still misunderstood and will be something that must be workshopped in the new year. The act also makes provision for emergency interdicts with standby magistrates.
A process that has already been tested by the precinct.
Dyule says interdicts and obtaining them is important for anyone needing assistance with domestic violence, along with the importance of not withdrawing them when the “honeymoon” phase returns.
Mosaic offers support around access to justice among other programmes in the fight against GBV.
Call 021 761 7585 or email admin@mosaic.org.za for more information or visit https://mosaic.org.za
