The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, a national campaign to raise awareness of the scourge of abuse, officially came to a close on Tuesday 10 December. However, the message remains clear: the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) is not confined to a mere 16 days, but is a year-round commitment.
‘The impact of GBV is year-round’
Sgt Lucille Fortune of Goodwood police emphasised the ongoing dedication of the police to combatting GBV. “The 16 Days of Activism is a national campaign that has come to a close for this year. Even though it’s closed we at Goodwood police remain fully committed to the campaign’s objectives. The impact of GBV is year-round, and we strive to support victims and take action against GBV throughout the year.”
She said continuous awareness was important. “We’ll keep underscoring the significance of GBV during other awareness events held at schools and public spaces. I personally think this year’s campaign was a success. Every effort made to highlight the impact on victims and society is crucial. It’s important to understand that GBV cases must be reported to the police and there are support structures available.”
Awareness has sparked a deep concern
The campaign’s impact was also echoed by Rev Jerry Louw of Spiritual Crime Prevention. “The awareness . . . brought to light the violence and abuse that occur daily . . .” He also said retaliation from perpetrators was a troubling trend, but redress was ruthless, instilling a sense of hope among victims.
