Patricia de Lille, leader of the Independent Democrats, at the University of Natal, KZN on 1 April 2004
2004-04-01. The ID is the only political party that has a specific policy document on women and child abuse.
There is no justification for women and child abuse. We must never make
any excuses for it. We need to build a society that entrenches
the values of dignity and respect for life so that women and children
can be loved and respected and not abused. It is our duty to speak out
against abuse and these shameful acts.
Our children represent the future of our country. Urgent action needs to be taken now to arrest this intolerable situation. We need to embark on a programme that restores the values we cherish in our homes, family, community, workplace, and nation.
Violence and sexual abuse are not simply women's issues. We must bridge the gender divide and reach young men before they become abusive. Minimum rape sentences are not being enforced. Bail is cheap. Cases are postponed sometimes for years. Only 5% of sexual abuse cases reported end in successful conviction. The justice system gives assistance to the accused such as free legal representation, while the victim not.
The Independent Democrats believe a Common Rape Protocol (CRP) must be entered into law with ethical standards of practice covering the process from when the crime occurs through each stage of treatment and care to recovery.
We must view the children of South Africa as our own and take joint responsibility for their well-being. A nation that does not look after its children does not deserve the title of a nation.
The ID is tired of the endless parliamentary debates on this issue. They only help to make parliamentarians feel better about women abuse while never actually addressing the problem. It is time for action.
Ends
This is an abbreviated speech that Patricia de Lille delivered at the Rape Crisis Centre at Northdale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. For more information, contact 083 303 8352.
Our children represent the future of our country. Urgent action needs to be taken now to arrest this intolerable situation. We need to embark on a programme that restores the values we cherish in our homes, family, community, workplace, and nation.
Violence and sexual abuse are not simply women's issues. We must bridge the gender divide and reach young men before they become abusive. Minimum rape sentences are not being enforced. Bail is cheap. Cases are postponed sometimes for years. Only 5% of sexual abuse cases reported end in successful conviction. The justice system gives assistance to the accused such as free legal representation, while the victim not.
The Independent Democrats believe a Common Rape Protocol (CRP) must be entered into law with ethical standards of practice covering the process from when the crime occurs through each stage of treatment and care to recovery.
We must view the children of South Africa as our own and take joint responsibility for their well-being. A nation that does not look after its children does not deserve the title of a nation.
The ID is tired of the endless parliamentary debates on this issue. They only help to make parliamentarians feel better about women abuse while never actually addressing the problem. It is time for action.
Ends
This is an abbreviated speech that Patricia de Lille delivered at the Rape Crisis Centre at Northdale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. For more information, contact 083 303 8352.
