Domestic violence is a crime that is impacting several Newcastle families, and the problem can no longer be ignored. This follows the Newcastle SAPS receiving approximately 15 Domestic Violence cases a week.
Contrary to popular belief, the scourge is not a poor man’s crime. Speaking to the Newcastle SAPS’s Warrant Officer Lionel Harry, the most common suburbs where reports stem from is Aviary Hill, Amajuba Park, Lennoxton, Fairleigh, and Siyahlala-la.
“Domestic violence is a crime that happens across all spectrums, even the upper echelons of society,” stressed Warrant Officer Harry.
For the past 13 years, he has dedicated himself to working with Domestic Violence cases, reaching out to the most vulnerable people within the Newcastle community.
Through his experience, we learn that not only are the above-mentioned suburbs some of the most problematic areas in Newcastle. But, the most common types of domestic violence include physical and psychological.
“Domestic violence is eminent in Newcastle with a number of cases being reported. The Newcastle South African Police Service would like the community to no longer remain silent, but to come forward and report the crime,” emphasised the dedicated police officer.
With this in mind, Warrant Officer Harry pointed out that it was important to note that Domestic Violence entailed more than just physical and psychological (mental) abuse.
He said, “There is also economic abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, and damage to other people’s property.”
The biggest contributing factors to domestic violence, according to Warrant Officer Harry, are conflict regarding finances, substance abuse (alcohol and drug abuse), and male dominance and male insecurity.
Therefore, Warrant Officer Harry added that despite the immense trauma victims endured at the hands of their abusers, the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 has been promulgated to protect the vulnerable of society, especially women and children.
He further explained that women and children who wanted to escape domestic violence could do so in a matter of minutes by making their way to the Newcastle Police Station.
“You can come to the station, where you will be given a document called Form 1, which explains all your rights to you. The person can then either get a protection order against the abuser or open a criminal case against them. You can even do both simultaneously,” explained Warrant Officer Harry.
Additionally, due to the trauma experienced by abuse and the courage it took to open a case, he added the SAPS organised that the victims received psychosocial assistance at no cost. This included counselling.
The police would also make referrals to places of safety for abuse victims who needed a place to stay somewhere as they got back on their feet.
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Furthermore, Warrant Officer Harry said there was a degree of stigma around domestic violence, seeing some women rather remain silent than admit there was a problem in their family life.
He also said, “Some also stay silent as the men in their lives offer financial security or the victims don’t want to hurt their children.”
As the Newcastle SAPS focuses on addressing Domestic Violence in Newcastle, Warrant Officer Harry is now calling on abuse victims to end the silence. “Come forward to report Domestic Violence, the Newcastle SAPS will protect you and ensure justice prevails,” he declared.
With this in mind, Warrant Officer Harry reminded abuse victims that they did not have to be abused more than once.
“The first time you are abused, come to the police and report the abuser,” he concluded.
With the weekend about to get underway please keep the above in mind. If you know of anyone suffering at the hands of someone else, it is your duty to step up and report the abuser on their behalf.
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