Chatsworth SAPS, together with various community stakeholders, raised awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) as part of its Women’s Month programme.
In a statement issued by Chatsworth SAPS, the station said the awareness initiative focused on empowering women with information about GBV, helping them recognise different forms of abuse and encouraging victims to speak out, report incidents and seek assistance.
Chatsworth SAPS collaborated with several stakeholders, including FAMSA, NICRO, Community Safety and Liaison, and the Chatsworth Community Police Forum (CPF).
According to the statement, each stakeholder provided information and guidance to women based on their respective areas of expertise.
The programme was also supported by Chatsworth CPF chairman Yugan Pillay, who encouraged women to know their worth and not tolerate any form of abuse.
He urged women experiencing abuse not to remain silent, but to seek help and report incidents of GBV.
Dr B Pillay was also present at the programme, accompanied by the Rapid Response Team, to provide support and assistance to women in Chatsworth.
Chatsworth SAPS said their involvement highlighted the importance of a coordinated response to GBV and ensuring that women are aware of the support services available to them.
The stakeholders addressed various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, psychological and financial abuse. They also emphasised that GBV affects not only individuals, but families and communities as a whole.
Women were encouraged to make use of available support structures, report abuse to the police and seek assistance from relevant service providers.
According to Chatsworth SAPS, the programme reinforced the message that victims are not alone and that support is available.
The station and its community partners called on residents to work together to combat GBV and promote respect, dignity, equality and healthy relationships.
The awareness programme formed part of Women’s Month activities aimed at empowering women, strengthening community partnerships and contributing to safer communities free from violence and abuse.
Chatsworth SAPS said the message was clear: every woman has the right to live a life free from violence, fear and abuse.
