Rape of baby

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Press statement issued by the Congress of South African Trade Unions.

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It is with shock and disgust that we read to learn about
the rape of a nine-month-old baby by six adult men
ranging from 24-66 years old. This unfortunately is not
an isolated case. The recent spate of incidents of
violence against women and children where rape and
gang rape and sexual abuse by neighbors, teachers,
parents, grand-fathers, uncles, partners etc is
escalating. This is despite attempts to raise
awareness and legislative measures put in place to
stop violence against women and children. Any form
of violence is internationally recognized as a major
human rights violation and results in physical,
emotional and psychological harm.
No culture, provocation, neglect or mental condition
can be used to justify this perverse behavior.
Violence against women and children have
permeated all layers and spheres of our society to an
extent that there is no place to hide. The recent spate
of incidents of rape, gang rape and abuse in the
home, school even in the pre-schools confirms this.
One would expect that a child be in a safe environment
at home where, if any act of negligence was
discovered, it would be dealt with appropriately
rather than take advantage of it.
Such shocking incidents signify the extent of the moral
decay of our society and the lack of respect for human
rights and dignity. They also show the extent to which
we must vigorously engage in a concerted effort as
workers, employers, youth, NGO’s and as social
workers and teachers and parents in particular with
community interventions and strategies to supplement
legislative measures and the justice system in order to
curb and eliminate this scourge from our society.
We call upon community organizations such as the
local civic structures, Gender Machinery and all
progressive forces in Northern Cape in particular to
take up this matter by ensuring that our presence is felt
in court cases in support of the legal system to ensure
that justice is served to uproot this scourge.
As COSATU, given our role in society and our
commitment to protect the most vulnerable sectors of
our society, therefore feel urged to pronounce
ourselves and can not rest while women and children
are denied their right to freedom and protection.
We cannot emphasize enough the need to join forces
and work towards the eradication of violence against
women and children and promotion of human rights.
We should join and support community intervention
and media strategies to ensure that we permeate and
reach all levels of our society in terms of education
and awareness raising, creating a free and conducive
environment and breaking the silence and on this
matter.

Patrick Craven and Moloto Mothapo
Acting COSATU Spokespersons

[email][email protected]
082-821-7456
339-4911

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