On Friday morning, 26 September, a door-to-door awareness campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) took place in Tjovitjo informal settlement.
Led by Station Commander, Brigadier Mashole Manamela, the initiative brought together the Provincial SAPS, Sedibeng District SAPS, Orange Farms SAPS, Social Crime Prevention Coordinators, community stakeholders, and multiple government departments, including the Department of Health, Department of Community Safety, and DSD, alongside CPF, PCO, JMPD, EMS, GTWs, FBOs, NGOs, NPOs, and FCS SAPS.
The campaign aimed to empower victims to report abuse and encourage the community to actively participate in preventing and addressing GBV. Volunteers and officials visited homes and streets, interacting directly with residents, explaining the campaign’s purpose, and distributing informative pamphlets on identifying GBV and accessing available support services.
Community members were educated on the severe consequences of GBV, as well as harmful cultural norms that perpetuate it. They were also informed about support services offered by Orange Farms SAPS, including Green Doors, Victim-Friendly Facility rooms, and Ikhaya Lethemba, to strengthen the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Orange Farm communications officer, Sgt Shaan Motsapi, said:”It is important that law enforcement and community stakeholders work hand in hand to educate and protect communities. Campaigns like this give victims hope and empower the entire community to stand against abuse.”
The campaign successfully reached a large number of residents, reinforcing the importance of awareness, education, and community involvement in addressing GBV.
Images: Sgt Motsapi
