Africa-Press – Botswana. The alarming prevalence of sexual assault and rape cases in Francistown has prompted local organisations to unite in raising awareness about these pressing issues, Ms Ontifile Gaokgore, founder of The Inclusion Hub said at a four-day workshop on Tuesday.
Alongside the department of gender affairs and other stakeholders, Inclusion Hub deemed it essential to organise a workshop to sensitise the public about these social ills.
“The rising numbers of sexual assault in Francistown are a major concern,” she said, as she stressed the need for professional insights.
The workshop ending on Friday has experts from the United States who will share experiences and strategies for combating high incidence of sexual violence issues. “This initiative came after my participation in the Mandela Washington Fellowship training in the USA last year,” said Ms Gaokgore.
She said Francistown currently had the highest rate of rape incidents such as a man raping his grandmother and an uncle assaulting his nephew.
Ms Constance Letswalo, assistant director at Directorate of Public Prosecutions, echoed concerns on the significant number of defilement cases, involving minors as young as 15 years.
She emphasised the importance of parental vigilance on their children’s whereabouts to help prevent such incidents.
“Sexual assault cases, including rape and defilement, are serious matters that cannot be withdrawn once reported,” she said.
She also addressed the troubling tendency of some parents who withdrew defilement cases to pursue reconciliation, especially when the perpetrator was someone who provided for the family.
In his remarks, City of Francistown Mayor, Ms Gaone Majere acknowledged disturbing nature of sexual assault issues, asserting that the workshop was crucial to disseminate messages condemning such acts.
The Sexual Assault Awareness workshop targets various groups, including parents, youth, teachers, and students.
The theme of the workshop:Community-Driven Solutions to Sexual Assault in Francistown.
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