GBV cases on the rise � Police
Sharon Mathala | Tuesday November 18, 2014 16:28
During the launch of the Botswana policewomen network campaign against GBV, director of forensic science services, Helen Tumediso-Magora said that last year in the same period, a total of 80 cases were recorded compared to this year’s figures, which skyrocketed.
“For the second quarter of 2014 (July to September), the South Central Division recorded a total of 227 GBV-related cases as compared to last year when we had just about 80 cases reported,” she said.
Tumediso-Magora further revealed of the GBV-related cases, rape topped the list for this year with 110 recorded, followed by threat-to-kill incidents at 60.
“Last year for the same period we had 67 rape cases and eight threat-to-kill cases, compared to this year’s where it indicates that we have received almost double the amount of rape cases,” she said.
She also said that the majority of the victims were females but there were also cases of men who reported being abused. Tumediso-Magora said that there is need for men and women to engage in dialogue to address their issues.
Available statistics show that while there are men who suffer GBV, the numbers are way lower than those of women.
“Further analysis revealed that the majority of the perpetrators were strangers followed by former lovers; and then dating partners and close relatives,” added the forensics boss.
The police have also declared GBV as a case of human rights violation affecting both men and women. GBV cases include sexual abuse, rape, passion killing, domestic violence, severe beatings and general harassment.
Victims of GBV suffer a combination of physical, emotional and psychological abuse and trauma, Sbrana Mental Hospital Principal Nurse, Mary Segokgo, said yesterday at the Mogoditshane main Kgotla.
She said that the leading cause of GBV is drug abuse followed by jealousy.
“All of this may result in the victim suffering from depression, anxiety disorder and post traumatic disorders, which may ultimately lead one into thinking that suicide is the only way out,” Segokgo said.
The police emphasised that as part of their mandate to protect life and property, they handle reports of GVB with the seriousness it deserves.
Tumediso-Magora said that no person has the right to abuse another. She emphasised that no circumstances grant the latitude for any individual to impede and violate any other person’s rights and freedoms simply because they can.
“Allow me at this juncture to make an earnest appeal and urge all those people who have suffered from any form of abuse or continue to be abused to stop suffering silently and report their ordeals so that the law can take its course,” she said.
She further said that the next five days should be used for individuals to introspect, interact and share ideas, and resolve on new strategies against GBV for the betterment of Batswana and the development of the nation.
The Botswana policewomen network launched the five-day campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) for the South Central Division, under the theme, ‘Stop Gender-Based Violence, Everyone’s Responsibility’.