16 Days: call for tougher action against abusers

Protesters opposing the abuse of women and children marched to the Bellville police station last Friday where they called for tougher action against perpetrators.

More than 30 people marched to Bellville police station last Friday, calling for tougher action against the abusers of women and children.

The march was held as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign. The participants wore black and came from Oakdale Neighbourhood Watch, the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID), the community police forum, security companies and the Bikers for Christ Motorcycle Ministry.

“We handed over a memorandum at the station that asked for a firmer approach from the police towards the perpetrators of violence against women and children,” said Bellville Community Police Forum member Gerda Gerber.

VRCID chairman Derek Bock said: “We do not take lightly to any form of gender-based violence towards women and children. We believe that this should not only be a 16-day event but should be highlighted each day of the year.”

Women and children should not feel afraid to come forward and report abuse, he said.

“There should also be more trained officers placed at the police station who knows how to deal with such trauma,” Mr Bock said.

Bellville police could not provide a response by the time of publication.