13 days into the 16 Days of Activism against the violence of women and children, Minister of the Police, Bheki Cele is continuing to encourage women to speak out against abuse. He highlighted that women are attacked in their homes by their boyfriends, uncles and fathers and most of them are attacked by people who should be protecting them.
“That is where the problem lies. It is in the household. I urge friends and families to stop asking victims to withdraw cases. When he points a finger at you, run away. Next time he will point a firearm at you,” said Cele.
The minister said what would change gender-based violence (GBV) was neither the police nor the law but families themselves. “Families must be involved in issues of GBV. It is women who tell girls to tolerate abusive situations. These deaths are the result of being tolerant. This situation does not happen in one day. It builds up. Neighbours, sisters and friends see it. Encourage those people to leave those kinds of situations while they can,” Cele added.
He also pulled no punches when it came to police who turn women away when they try to report sexual offence crimes.“When a woman reports a case, do not tell them to go and negotiate. Your responsibility is to arrest the perpetrator. Your job is to ensure women are protected. It is not your business how a victim was dressed. You are not a fashion adviser. Give women the space to live in,” he said.
