Rural Education, Awareness & Community Health Presentation on the Domestic Violence Act 29 October 2009

Vision & Mission Vision Mission To sensitize rural communities and relevant stakeholders on the issues of sexual harassment & sexual violence through a rights-based approach in the implementation of programmes that encourage ethical, social, personal awareness & development. An empowered rural community That is socially aware, independent, responsible, self-caring, and free of sexual harassment & sexual violence

REACH’s Objectives  Awareness raising and Training  Counseling support services  Research  Campaigning  Policy & Advocacy © REACH – Oct

Ms. Claudine Dyck - Face of REACH for 2009 © REACH – Oct

Recommendations  Courts and police stations should be set up in rural communities to facilitate rural and farm women’s access to P.O. and Courts  The DVA needs to be amended to provide for the appointment of legal representatives for the complainants, Section 14 (Legal Representation) should be changed from a may to a MUST.  SAP’s member be trained on the provisions of the DVA and that they are required to comply with these provisions, especially Section 2 (Duty to assist and inform complainant of rights) (c) to inform the right to lodge a criminal complaint  Increase number of shelters in rural areas as survivors are required to travel long distances to access shelters.  Mobile clinics should visit rural and farming areas more regularly  The DVA must be amended to provide for psycho-social support for survivors of domestic violence © REACH – Oct

CONTACT: Executive Director: Joanie Fredericks Cell: Tel: /4 Fax: Advocacy Officer: Catherine Foster Thank you.