Empty promises, unfunded mandates, and lip-service. These are all terms used to describe the South African government’s approach to stopping gender-based violence. Despite the horrifying statistics that show the rate at which women and girl children are being abused and killed, the government’s response has been disappointing. In 2017, a round table was held by…
Solely relying on the police and other law enforcement institutions to prevent gender-based violence is shortsighted and naive. The responsibility lies with civil society, and it needs to start with education. People are the most impressionable when they’re young, specifically the age ranges of 12 – 18 and 19 – 24. Based on this, it’s…
As discussed in our last article, gender based violence presents itself in a number of ways, some of which are subtly veiled. In order to stop the scourge of this war on women and children, it’s important for us to learn how to spot warning signs, and to unpack behaviors that may seem normal, but…
South Africa is facing a specific, looming, tragic reality – sexual and gender based violence. The general public is well aware of the alarming statistics that are attached to the country regarding sexual and gender based violence, however, the numbers available aren’t entirely accurate. Due to the traumatic nature of the crime, not all survivors choose to report the incident.
Creating a safer South Africa isn’t a one-dimensional act. An integral part of the mission to decrease the country’s crime rate is the public reporting crimes or suspicious activities to their local police or to the South African Police Service. Filing these reports does more than aid investigation, it informs statistics, budget allocation and research. …
Vigilance is more than just watching your back, it requires making active choices to protect yourself and your loved ones. A key component of remaining vigilant and keeping safe is being cognisant of the validity and reliability of the information you consume. In a world of headlines, fake news is rampant and ultimately damaging. Crime…
If you’re reading this, chances are you or a member of your family is a member of your local Neighbourhood Watch WhatsApp or Facebook group. Although these community-led groups play a significant role in keeping their suburbs safe and informed, there are some areas that fall short. Neighbourhood Watch groups are important and should be…
South Africa’s crime rate is common knowledge, and all South Africans have had to adapt to living a life of vigilance – we’re in a constant state of high alert. Spottem was born in response to this reality and aims to provide another layer of security that empowers the public to take safety and security…
Know Thy Neighbour – Building a safer South Africa It’s common knowledge that South Africa is a notoriously friendly country. When we say ‘otherwise, you well?’, we really mean it. However, despite this sunny disposition, South Africans don’t have that stereotypical tight-knit relationship with their neighbours as other countries. There are a number of benefits…
Remaining Vigilant During Lockdown The country is under lockdown, but crime isn’t. Although there has been a significant drop in numbers across the board, as stated by Police Minister Bheki Cele, crime is still very much an unfortunate reality that South Africans face every day. Most alarmingly, domestic violence and child abuse cases have…