by Denise Robinson - DA Interim DAWN Leader and Shadow Minister of Women in the Presidency

The DA Women’s Network (DAWN) and 800 supporters today marched to the South African Police Services (SAPS) station in Pretorius Street, Tshwane, in support of victims of abuse and highlight the intervention needed to break the cycle of abuse against women and children. This cause was supported by the DA Gauteng Provincial Leadership.

We marched as part of the 16 Days of Activism against women and children abuse, and to hand over a memorandum to the SAPS calling on them to protect those who are vulnerable in the face of abuse.

As part of our memorandum, we call on the SAPS to:
• Support schools with a dedicated police officer who will guard the interests of learners and ensure that the necessary support is offered to those who may need it;
• Evaluate and strengthen existing child sexual abuse prevention programs aimed at curbing the scourge;
• Make sensitivity training available to all police officers who work with children affected by any form of sexual abuse;
• Create safe rooms at all police stations which operate 24 hours a day; and
• Create a crime prevention unit to work with the Department of Social Welfare & Department of Education to prevent sexual assault, rape and abuse against children.

Over 50% of children staying in shelters or government places of safety have been found to have experienced some form of sexual assault before being homeless. Sexual violence against school children is increasing daily, with cases involving principals, teachers and security guards being reported across the country.

We all have a role to play in ensuring the safety of children in all corners of society. The SAPS is a national competency and government must play its role. The DA will continue to do all it can to support the protection of the most vulnerable.