25 Nov 2024

Men should immediately report all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) so that the law can protect survivors, says Sergeant Oarabile Tom of Serowe Police Station Gender and Child Protection Unit.

Speaking at a series of events to mark International Men’s Day in Serowe on Saturday,  he said GBV was one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world, as it knows no social, economic or national boundaries.

Sgt. Tom said reporting GBV allowed survivors to access support services and minimise the impact of violence on their lives.

He said reports have indicated that men were leading on issues of GBV as perpetrators, while some were victims but preferred to be silent.

He said they also accessed health care less than women.

He said GBV was a serious concern among men, women and children but noted that men would rather suffer in silence instead of seeking assistance for fear of victimisation.

“Negative attitudes that promote gender inequality can be unlearned thereby contributing to healthier relationships. Such inequities significantly contribute to the perpetration of gender-based violence with women and girls as victims in the majority of cases,’’ he said.

Sergeant Tom said the unit recorded a high number of incidents of defilement, rape, sexual assault and murder among others and the majority of the victims were women and children.

He said parents should care for and guide their children to mould them into responsible people.

The event held at Phodisoetsile Medical Centre brought together men to engage in a dialogue on fostering a society free of GBV as well as to encourage men to prioritise their health and well being. ENDS