16 Days campaign meaningless without action

AS THE 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children wrapped up this week, the Western Cape was met with a series of blows that made it clear the campaign has not shifted the reality on the ground. The violence carried on.

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Women and children remain exposed and now we learn that the systems meant to help them are also failing. The most jarring discovery came from an unannounced oversight visit to the SAPS Provincial Supply chain stores in Epping, where it was confirmed there are no rape kits available. Not a single D1 or D7 kit for adults or children. This was only uncovered after the SAPS had denied any shortage. The fact that an outside visit was needed to reveal the truth speaks volumes about the state of readiness to deal with cases of sexual violence. Survivors cannot be expected to