Anti-GBV ambassador intent making a difference in Heinz Park
Twenty-eight-year-old Tashreeq Perry is among 18 residents who've recently been appointed as gender-based violence ambassadors in an initiative of the Western Cape Social Development Department.
Picture: Pixabay.com
CAPE TOWN - An anti-GBV ambassador is intent on addressing the scourge in his community of Heinz Park, in Philippi.
Twenty-eight-year-old Tashreeq Perry is among 18 residents who've recently been appointed as gender-based violence ambassadors in an initiative of the Western Cape Social Development Department.
They've received training on GBV awareness and support services, identifying different forms of GBV, basic knowledge of child protection, basic interviewing skills, stress management, how to report GBV matters and how to complete forms and referrals.
Perry said that gender-based violence and femicide were rife in Heinz Park.
"Social Development has got 177 GBV cases so far from Heinz Park and only 40 of that 177 has actually gone to court."
The 28-year-old believes one of the reasons these cases fail to reach the courts is that victims don't get the treatment, respect and support they need, when reporting the crime to police, resulting in matters being dropped.
Perry's immediate aim, along with his fellow ambassadors, is to create awareness about this initiative and let residents know they are ready and willing to assist.
He said that one of his ideas was establishing a Whatsapp line that victims could use to discreetly message an ambassador to reach out for help, especially in a situation where the perpetrator lived in the same house.