The current pattern in the murder of women and children needs to be discussed seriously and collaboratively by stakeholders in criminal justice, child rights, gender rights as well as other groups.’
This was the message of Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, as she launched Women’s Month at the Thuthuzela Care Centre for rape victims at Wesfleur Hospital, Atlantis on Friday 4 August.
Her events for the month are themed “Health and Safety of Women and Children” in direct response to the brutal murders and sexual violence committed against young women and girls.
It has been reported that in 2017 alone, 21 children have been murdered in the Western Cape, and this number has since increased.
“A key pattern throughout these cases is that the alleged perpetrator(s) was known to and/or trusted by the victim or the family,” Dr Mbombo pointed out. “We need to talk about this as a society. As government we cannot be silent, we need to mobilise communities to take the lead in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Western Cape Police crime statistics for the previous year show that 7 130 sexual offences were recorded in 2015/16, a decrease of 239 from 7 369 in the previous year.
“There are high levels of interpersonal violence in our society,” she pointed out, “ and 7 130 is a big number, and we need to talk about this in our communities. We are grateful for the work being done at our Thuthuzela Centres to support victims.”
She says highlighting the services Western Cape Health renders at these centres and their impact on victims and the community generally is important.
An attending clinician at a Thuthuzela Centre does the following:
.Health care needs, including medical tests and provision of post-exposure prophylaxis against HIV, pregnancy and STIs if indicated, treatment of other injuries.
.Medico-legal needs, including evidence collection, documentation of wounds/injuries and testifying in court.
“This service ensures justice is served, and underscores why partnering with the Department of Justice is so important,” concluded Mbombo.
