The South African government has supposedly addressed the problem of discrimination against women. Legislation that contained discriminatory provisions against women has been either amended or repealed. However, the reality is that discrimination does not end with the passing of legislation. In addition, the way a case is reported plays a critical role in prosecution. The cause of this is that many of those turned away, or whose cases are thrown out of court because of inadequate evidence, happen to be women who are victims of violence. Very often, the questions asked to establish the credibility of the victims are insulting and of doubtful relevance. To make sure that cases are reported, properly documented, and adequately supported by evidence, the Center for Criminal Justice (CCJ) directed by Winnie Kubayi, is opening Community Outreach Centers in local police stations.
These centers are also an attempt to deal with repeated complaints by women and children that they had been dealt with harshly and unsympathetically when they have reported an act of violence. Having persuaded the police to allow the CCJ to set up Community Outreach Centers in the police stations, the CCJ works with victims from the time the case is reported until it goes to court. After securing a conviction of the perpetrator the Center goes further and makes sure the victim gets counseling or other assistance from appropriate agencies and authorities. Since its inception, the project has assisted more than sixty-five thousand community members to access the criminal justice system; and more than 2 million people have been reached through its various awareness raising programs.
Web site: http://ccj.ukzn.ac.za/AboutUs/History.aspx Township life
