On National Women’s Day, commemorated annually on 9 August, police trainees took part in a march in Maokeng, Kroonstad, to raise awareness on gender-based violence (GBV).
The 176 female police trainees who had received training at the Kroonstad Police Academy marched from the Maokeng Mall to the Maokeng Police Station, where they handed over a memorandum on GBV to the station commander.
On their way to the police station, the trainees handed out flyers with the contact details of all relevant helplines to the public in an effort to assist victims and create awareness.
“It is very important that the people in the community know where to seek help, and that the police are here to support and assist with issues such as GBV.
“We hope that this march made an impact to create awareness,” says Capt. Samantha Blake of the local police and organiser of the event.
Helplines
- Police emergency services: 0860-10111;
- Crime Stop tip-off: 08600-10111;
- Crime Line SMS service: 32211;
- Childline South Africa: 0800-055-555;
- Child Welfare: 086-142-4453;
- Child emergency line: 0800-123-321;
- South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag): 0800-708-090;
- Department of Social Development Substance Abuse helpline: 0800-121-314 or 32312 (SMS);
- Gay-lesbian support: 0860-333-331 or 079-891-3036 (SMS);
- Gender-based violence (GBV) command centre: 0800-428-428. Alternatively, SMS “please call” to *120*7867# or “help” to 31531;
- South African National Human Trafficking Hotline: 0800-222-777;
- Lifeline SA: 086-132-2322;
- Sonke Gender Justice for counselling and support: 021-423-7088 or 011-339-3589;
- Stop Gender Violence: 0800-150-150
- Suicide Crisis Line (Sadag): 0800-567-567 (call or SMS);
- Tears Foundation: 010-590-5920 or *120*7355#; and
- Thuthuzela Care Centre: 080-004-28428 or SMS “please call me” to *120*7867.
Organisations
- Family and Marriage Association of South Africa (Famsa): 011-975-7106/7;
- People Opposed to Women Abuse (Powa): 076-694-5911 or 011-642-4345; and
- the police’s social work services and domestic violence helpdesk: 079-880-5966 or 082-301-2138.
