OPINION | Deputy Minister of Justice John Jeffrey argues that the law can never, on its own, completely eradicate gender-based violence, but it can create an enabling legal framework to bring perpetrators to book and to ensure justice for victims.
In September last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed the country’s commitment to addressing the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.
The law can never, on its own, completely prevent or eradicate gender-based violence, but it can create an enabling legal framework to bring perpetrators to book and to ensure justice for victims. Currently, the law provides that there is an obligation to report a sexual offence against a child or a mentally disabled person.
It expands the ambit of employers who must check the register to include those working with women between the ages of 18 and 25, persons with disabilities and persons who are 60 years of age or older, and persons who receive community-based care and support services. Finally, the bill seeks to tighten existing laws on bail and sentencing and aims to reduce secondary victimisation of vulnerable persons in court proceedings.
The bill further provides that in respect of an offence against a person in a domestic relationship, an accused may not be released on bail before his or her first appearance in a lower court.This is because alleged perpetrators were sometimes released on police bail or prosecutorial bail when the authorities were not aware that there was already a protection order against the person.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Despite gender pay gap and workplace discrimination, SA women contribute almost 50% to the GDPDespite gender pay gap and workplace discrimination, SA women contribute almost 50% to the GDP | W24_SA
Read more »
le Tour opts for gender-equal podium ceremony as Team Ineos names team.leTour de France is ending its tradition of having two hostesses handing out prizes on the podium, opting for a gender-equal ceremony, the race director said on Wednesday. | IOLsport Pic: Christophe Ena/AP Photo
Read more »
MKMVA takes a swipe at Ramaphosa | CitypressThe ANC Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) has taken the hardline against the ANC government, saying that the current leadership has not managed to effectively represent the governing party and what it stands for.
Read more »
Think twice before accepting your Sars auto-assessment | CitypressThe announcement by the SA Revenue Service that it has started auto-assessing certain taxpayers may lead some people to believe they no longer need to worry about their tax submissions, but think twice before accepting your auto-assessment.
Read more »
Providing cover for the self-employed | CitypressPersonal Finance | A new product offers income protection to those who were previously excluded, writes Maya Fisher-French.
Read more »