Women's rights calls on government to take action against perpetrators of GBV
People
Opposing Woman Abuse is calling on the government to fast-track the three Bills
meant to address the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and femicide in the
country.
The three bills tabled in September include the amendment of the Criminal Law of sexual offences and related matters Amendment Act, to create a new offence of sexual intimidation.
The Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill tightens the granting of bail in cases of GBV and Proposed amendments to the Domestic Violence Act for those in romantic relationships.
The Woman's rights organisation says government needs to prioritise these bills as more women and children fall victim to such crimes on a daily basis.
Today marks the start of 16-Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
POWA's Thandiwe McCloy says the bills will help ensure perpetrators face stricter treatment when arrested.
"By fast tracking these three bills, perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence will face the full might of the law. They will receive harsher sentences and they will be tightened so that perpetrators are not able to walk free and victims of GBV,” McCloy said.
