Statistics that have been released by the SAPS and by other organisations that track and analyse crime in South Africa, point to the disturbing reality that women and girls are not as safe in South Africa as they deserve to feel.
Far too often, they find themselves at the receiving end of crime and criminality. This was acknowledged last year when (then) Police Minister Bheki Cele told journalists that the crime statistics showed that, “…far too many women and children in this country are not safe around people that they know and trust and at times those that they love and in the places where they are supposed to be safe.” The Minister was commenting on the latest round of quarterly police crime statistics.
“It is clear that we need to do a lot more to keep women and girls safe, and this is where our attention should be focused this month as we commemorate Women’s Month,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Communications and Marketing at the Fidelity Services Group.
She says there is a real need for all South Africans to stand together and help create an environment in which women and girls don’t have to fear that they might become victims of crime. This feeling of fear can be addressed to some extent by exercising basic safety principals and by being vigilant.
“Let’s use this month to remind everyone of the following valuable safety tips. By uniting our efforts we can make a positive difference,” says Hattingh.
Her tips include:
- Before leaving home, ensure a loved one or friend knows where you are going. If someone knows your whereabouts when visiting a friend or going shopping, they can check up on you to ensure you have arrived home safely. If anything occurs, these friends will know where to find you or where to start looking.
- If you are at a shopping mall, ATM or bank, remain alert of any suspicious individuals. Avoid dark and deserted ATMs, especially late at night.
- When driving, remember to ensure your doors are locked and to remain vigilant, especially when stopping at traffic lights.
- Many people suggest placing your mobile phone in the boot (with your handbag). But if any incident occurs, there usually is not enough time to retrieve this from the boot. Rather, keep your phone close to you but out of sight. If it is not an emergency call or text message, try not to answer until you have safely arrived at your destination. Avoid anything that distracts your attention from the road.
- When arriving home, be on the lookout for any suspicious vehicles or people that might be lurking around your gate or front-door. If you feel unsafe, rather circle the block again. Most security companies offer a home arrival service, where an armed response officer can meet you at your front door to make sure you are safe.
In an emergency:
- Keep the relevant emergency numbers on pre-programmed on your mobile phone. Having these numbers on speed dial makes it easier for you, especially when you are in a state of shock.
“Ask your security company if they offer a mobile panic button service, perhaps as an app that can be downloaded onto your phone. If you find yourself in an emergency, your phone will serve as a beacon to locate you as soon as possible. You can also ask your security company about the self-defence classes they organise,” says Hattingh.
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