WINDHOEK – The escalating rate of violence committed by Namibian men against women and children has prompted the DTA to call on government to establish safe houses in all 14 regions where victims of gender-based violence can seek refuge.
DTA president McHenry Venaani made the request on Tuesday during a media conference held at the party’s headquarters in Windhoek.
“Women in this country are being killed because we do not have safe homes where they can run to. In most cases before a woman is killed she has already received countless threats and was physically abused, but when/if she reports the case she has nowhere to go since she lives with or is supported by the perpetrator,” said Venaani.
Venaani also wants a national database with records of all abusers to be created so that society can be aware of those committing violence against women and children.
“We need to create safe houses in each region,” said Venaani, adding that African traditions should also be questioned because they contribute to the precarious situation as well.
“Some families encourage women not to lay charges when abused because the perpetrator is supporting the family. It is high time that we as Africans cease protecting those feeding [the abused] because in the end it is the victim that ends up in the grave,” Venaani said.
Venaani also condemned women who opt to conceal abusive tendencies of their partners.
Police Inspector General, Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga was in agreement with Venaani’s sentiments saying the only thing stopping the police from establishing safe houses in all regions is lack of financial resources.
“It is a good idea and it is already part of our strategic plan to have a shelter for gender-based violence victims in all regions, even two shelters per region if the funds permit,” said Ndeitunga.
Ndeitunga was optimistic that the concept of safe houses would partly address the ever-increasing rate of gender-based violence in the sense that victims will now have a place where they are safe and free from abusive environments.
“It will address part of the problem because victims will be comforted and counselled in these shelters,” said the inspector general.
Like Venaani, Ndeitunga agreed that in the absence of safe homes, victims of gender violence have nowhere to hide, adding that the concept of shelters will come in handy and provide a platform for victims to recover.
From last year January to 25 February 2014, 36 women were killed by their partners.
By Mathias Haufiku