Africa-Press – Namibia. “BREAK the silence and report any form of violence perpetrated against anybody by their intimate partner. This may be the only way one can stop and eliminate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within the community.”
This is according to Major General Joseph Shikongo, while addressing members of the Okongo community during the launch of the GBV Action Plan awareness campaign in the Ohangwena Region.
According to him, there is a need to strengthen efforts in terms of police visibility, awareness, sensitisation and education. Shikongo stated that GBV is not only a society ill, but that it is a crime punishable by law.
“It very is disheartening that most GBV related crimes are not committed in public, which makes it difficult for the police to combat,” he said.
For the 2020-2021 Financial Year, a total of 5 266 cases of GBV involving domestic violence were reported countrywide. Amongst those, the Ohangwena Region recorded 912 cases of GBV, making it the second highest compared to other regions.
Shikongo indicated that the Namibian Police has prioritised all GBV related cases, because of the nature and the devastating impact that crime has on humanity. As a result, the Police spearheaded a process to develop the GBV Action Plan, which was today launched.
“The development of the plan was established with the aim to enhance policing efforts with a view to improve responsiveness, expedite investigations and accentuate collaborative and consultative interventions,” he added.
He then called on Namibians to join hands and educate the communities on the dangers and effects of violent crimes, particularly those targeting intimate partners.
“I am convinced that it is only when we work together that we will eliminate these evil acts and ensure that all people in our communities are living free from violence,” he concluded.
Ohangwena governor, Walde Ndevashiya, concurred with Major General Shikongo, adding that the country is faced with an increase in Gender-Based Violence, and that the Ohangwena Region is no exception.
Ndevashiya stated that violence against women and girls is a serious violation, an evil act which breeds conflict and destroys peace in the home and in the society, and impedes the ability of women and girls to reach their fullest potential in life and ultimately, limits their life chances and optimal development.
He then called on the community of Okongo and the Ohangwena Region at large to joint hands with the police through community support groups and legal policing forums such as the Men and Women Network to monitor criminal activities in their surroundings and to report them to the police.
