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25 November 2008

Mafikeng: Members of justice and crime prevention security cluster will on Wednesday, 26 November 2008, celebrate 16 days of Activism against Women and Children event at Ikageng Extension 11 at Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Starting at 10h00.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is a United Nations campaign, which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Since 1999 the South African Government has marked this day, and has ensured that the campaign is extended to include issues relating to violence against children. The 16 Days of Activism campaign focuses primarily on generating an increased awareness of the negative impact of violence on women and children including the society as well.

"Early this year we have officially launched provincial implementation plan for the victims of crime. The service charter for victims of crime in South Africa (victims charter) is important instrument for promoting justice for all, in pursuit of cultivate a human rights culture. There is reluctance on the part of victims of violence to come forward and seek legal advice and social support. This could be due to insufficient knowledge of their rights, the social stigma around domestic violence. We have public education unit to continue educating our public about their rights since victims of crime are poorly informed about their empowerment. Not knowing about your rights is tantamount to not having them at all," explains Regional Head Mr Tsietsi Malema

"As Department of Justice and Constitutional Development we have ensured that our services are accessible to our people in the province particularly in the rural areas including farming areas were domestic violence is rife. We have also officially opened Ikageng Court to continue making sure that our services are accessible. Victims also had responsibility of providing police with information. Domestic violence in Ikageng is rife, this is caused by the fact that unemployment rate is high, alcohol consumption is high, and some people resort to produce home brewed beer and end up engaging in unnecessary fights," explains Regional Head Mr Tsietsi Malema.

"We have public education unit who continued to make sure that our community members are well informed about their rights and services rendered by the department. The department encourages media to serve as an educational platform for women and children who are abused. There has to be sensitive, professional and responsible coverage and reporting of these issues. There is also a perception that violence against women and children is increasing. Intensive efforts should be made to encourage women and children to report abuse and violence to relevant public institutions," concluded Regional Head Mr Tsietsi Malema.

Media enquiries contact:
Mr Isaac Mokaila
Tel: 018 389 8355
Cell: 073 742 3906

For more information contact:
Mr Tsietsi Malema
Tel: 018 389 8301
E-mail: tzmalema@justice.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, North West Provincial Government
25 November 2008