Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu says community activism should be encouraged to fight Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The minister said this during the launch of GBV victims’ shelter at Bothaville in the Free State.
A community in distress troubled by the increasing number of GBV incidents.
Murders and rapes are also on the rise. Allegations of mistreating of rape victims by some police officers when trying to open cases have also emerged.
The community is hopeful the shelter will help heal the scars of the victims.
Campaign to support women and young girls who are victims of violence has been launched in Nelson Mandela Bay:
Resident Nunu Motloung says: “There are so many cases of domestic violence but we will fight to see the end of this violence.”
LGBTI member Baile Pule says: “LGBTI community is not recognized. People are still experiencing abuse and they don’t feel like they belong in society.”
Authorities admit that situation is dire.
The ministry of social development says unity against GBV is key.
“We cannot entirely blame police there are still some that are working but also find those who are not doing well when community report cases.”
Residents have been urged to become activists in the fight against social ills.
