- Some lie about being victims of GBV to enjoy the benefits
- Some victims accused of stealing from the shelters
While the scourge of violence against women and children in the North West district is worrisome, authorities have however raised concerns about some members of the public’s behavior who wrongfully use shelters provided for GBV victims.
Maun Police Sub Inspector under the gender and child protection branch, Onkabetse Boranabi has complained about other members of the public lying about being abused just for them to be sheltered and enjoy the benefits and comfort offered at the safety houses. She said it’s only after conducting thorough investigations then they find out that these people were lying the whole time.
Boranabi made these remarks recently when Woolworths Maun recently donated goods worth P20 000 to Women Against Rape (WAR) to use at its shelter house. The goods comprised 2 refrigerators, a washing machine, new toilets and a microwave among other things.
Boranabi complained that the behavior is problematic as the perpetrators often occupy the space that could have been used by genuine victims of abuse.
Further to that, she said they also face challenges whereby some GBV victims who are taken into safety houses then steal from the same shelters. According to her, the victims unusually steal toys and sporting materials including balls, board games and many other things they find in offices.
As the country commemorates 16 Days of Activism Against Violence on Women and Children campaign, Boranabi has revealed that 12 GBV victims have so far this month been taken in for sheltering.
Since the gender and child protection branch was opened in October last year, the sub inspector indicated that they continue working hard and supporting other organisations to reduce the GBV cases in the region.
Woolworths Country Manager Gorata Abotseng Lekau said the donations will help the organisation to continue to deliver outstanding support to GBV victims.
In appreciation, WAR executive director, Peggy Ramaphane said the donations will go a long way in assisting the GBV victims by creating comfort and wellbeing for them. She added that it is their aim for the organization to grow and provide even better care and assistance to the victims. Ramaphane highlighted that they are grooming the best social workers and caregivers for the benefit of their clients.
Commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence on Women and Children campaign is aimed at raising awareness and mobilising action to end the violence. The campaign also acts as a remembrance to the lives lost due to gender based violence while government together with civil society and the private sector use the period to work together in dealing with GBV.
