Gender Based Violence (GBV) is reportedly becoming so rampant in Gabane village that almost weekly, the village administration arbitrates a case. In a brief interview with this publication, Kgosi Seeletso Pule of Gabane village said they handle cases every week, but insisted he does not have statistics since they can only be accessed at Mogoditshane Police Station.
“We handle cases of domestic violence every week. Both perpetrators and victims are young people in their twenties and thirties. This violence happens mostly during weekends at drinking places. After drinking young people turn to violence and the females are the victims,” he said.
The issue has become so serious that Kgosi Pule mentions it every time his subjects gather to discuss issues of tribal concern. “Issues of domestic violence are on the rise in our society. Concerned bodies like BOCAIP have blown the alarm and even asked that the community leaders keep mentioning it whenever they have social gatherings. Even at churches, church leaders should lead discussions on the matter. We have to first admit that it exists; it is our illness and it should be cured,” he said.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church, through a nonprofit making organisation has in the past been actively involved in the campaign against HIV and AIDS. The Church, through the same organisation has motivated the Village Development Committee of Gabane South to fight GBV.
Addressing and applauding the Village Development Committee members for the good work they have done, the organisation’s spokesperson Makore Makore, said the problem of domestic violence was opposing their effort. He said this is the reason why his organisation intends to empower women through training in some projects and courses so that they can be uplifted economically.
From the 25th-30th October, some young people from the village will be undergoing training in Molepolole in order to be able to do house to house visits and educating people on various health issues, among them GBV.
