‘Real’ crime stats remain hidden
ALEXANDRA – Alexandrians asked to save selves from self -induced crime.
Alexandrians and South Africans, in general, are at war with themselves and should act quickly to prevent violent crime and deaths decimating the population.
This was said by Irene Khumalo of NPO, Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training (Adapt) in response to the recent revelation of high statistics on crime by the Minister of Police Beki Cele. On average, 57 people are killed in the country daily and the abuse of women and children is also unabating.
Khumalo said the deaths and violence were worrying and surpassed those recorded in some countries in a state of war. “We should be concerned and take action before more innocent lives are lost, victims injured and psychologically maimed including through domestic violence which often happens in private,” Khumalo said adding that the police and neighbours were reluctant to intervene in such cases.
Her organisation attends to about 65 cases of domestic violence and abuse monthly. “Its just the tip of the iceberg as many victims don’t report [abuse], fearing the stigma, negative judgement and name-calling associated with particularly rape. Others don’t report to protect perpetrators who may be their breadwinners,” she said in reference to a woman on average being raped every 45 seconds in the country.
Khumalo added that by not reporting abuse, the enormity of it was hidden resulting in a false sense of security and lowering of vigilance by potential victims and society against perpetrators. She said this in reference to about 17 cases of alleged rape and sexual assaults which Adapt refers for medical and legal assistance monthly.
Khumalo attributed this abuse to skewed power relations between women and men – men like to maintain control over women. “Society continues to tiptoe over this problem despite legislation on sexual and domestic abuse, child protection, and law enforcement and prosecution agencies not enforcing the laws.”
She suggested improvements in the training of personnel at these agencies so they could be more sensitive to victims which will encourage more reporting of abuse.
“Some of them may initially report [abuse] while in a state of confusion and need officers to be patient with them as they may have to adjust their statements after calming down.”
Also, she called for continuity in management at police stations to help consolidate on partnerships and the coordination of anti-abuse programmes between the police and these agencies.
She commended the programmes the police ran in schools and the distribution of pamphlets in communities to encourage residents to report any abuse.
Khumalo discouraged suggestions of chemical castration of rape perpetrators saying it would not work as they would use other means to exert their desire for control over women.
“The answer is the continuous education for attitudinal change, improved sensitivity, effective prosecution and partnerships.”
