The ugly face in the mirror

Ashley Smith
In modern society, statistics are continually glorified as critical and relevant in determining the scope of the challenges we face.

With this in mind, it was a sobering slap in the face when the nation was confronted yesterday by the Everest of gender-based violence cases that are continuing to pile up on police investigator desks across the country.

A total of 5 961 of these cases were reported nationally from September 2019 to September this year, while 1 145 protection orders were issued during the same period to those who simply wanted help from the authorities to deal with escalating abuse in their lives.

Meanwhile, 900 cases have been finalised and 712 people have been convicted, while there have been 378 acquittals.

The rape statistics also leave a bitter taste in the mouth.

From September 2019 to September this year, 896 cases were reported, with 604 arrests.

Segregated data for rape cases recorded between January and December last year show that 711 cases were reported involving 344 women, 13 men, 330 girls and 16 boys. Each one of these victims has loved ones who have had to help them through this most heinous experience.

If we needed a mirror shoved into our faces in order to see what we are up against as a nation, then these figures have truly illuminated the sickness that continues to permeate Namibian families, personal relationships and communities.

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Namibian Sun 2024-04-19

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