The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is gravely concerned at the recent spate of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), especially the ever increasing incidences of attacks on women and children in public and private spheres.
The recent incidents, the latest being the deadly attack on the University of Cape Town student – 19-year-old Uyinene Mrwetyana is chilling, and every parent’s worst nightmare. It is unacceptable, and indeed abhorrent that women must fear the act of simply walking in the streets. It is also unacceptable that women and girls, often the vulnerable members of our society, must continue to experience rape, sexual harassment, assault and murder in the hands of even those they trust.
UJ, therefore, condemns in the strongest possible terms these continuous attacks on women and girls that are taking place across the country. Violence against women and girls robs them of their futures, harms families, communities, societies and institutions across generations.
It is also concerning that while the government has taken measures to develop laws, policies and programmes to respond to GBV, it remains one of the most prevalent human-rights violations in the country. We believe that effective prosecution of perpetrators is an important deterrent that must be reinforced.
The rights of women and children in particular, are fundamental rights that our society needs to take responsibility for and protect. GBV creates a climate of fear by victimising instead of empowering women and girls. We have to continue to educate our people and prosecute those that do not learn to respect the dignity and rights of others.
If you wish to report any incident, please contact Protection Services on 011 559 2555 / 7609.
You may also download the free Namola safety app: https://www.namola.com/download.
Additionally, our Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD) offers assistance primarily to students (and to staff in times of crises) in numerous ways. These services include a walk-in service (no appointment necessary) at all offices on the different campuses, individual counselling sessions as well as our 24-hour Crisis Line (082 054 1137).