Gov: Legislate Responsibly
Cheryllyn Dudley MP

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) calls on government to legislate responsibly on issues which impact on the moral fibre of our country. This comes at the end of government’s 16 days of activism campaign. The ACDP also calls on courts to make clear statements through harsh penalties for perpetrators of violence and abuse.

“It’s still debateable whether or not “16 days of activism” is the best government can do in response to the rising incidences of abuse amongst South Africa’s women and children. “ said Cheryllyn Dudley, ACDP MP and Spokesperson on Social Development.

The ACDP commends the media on its efforts to highlight the plight of traumatised South Africans who are victimised or in desperate need of help in crises.

“The media attention on abuse and violence during the 16-day-campaign has succeeded in painting a picture a little closer to reality.”

“Care centres and homes for abandoned and abused children deal with many cases of rape, which are purposely not sensationalised. Incidences like these do not reach the media.”

“Shocking statistics on rape are not only believable but probably under-estimated.”

Earlier this week, it was reported that approximately 43 children were raped everyday in South Africa during 2003. It was also revealed that more than 700 children were murdered in South Africa the same year. The latest government statistics show that a 4,5 percent of rape cases result in successful convictions.

Statistics also reveal that 50 percent of child rape affects boys, yet the present legal definition of rape excludes boys.

“The sexual offences bill has been before parliament for quite sometime. It aims to address problems such as these. Unfortunately, it is fraught with additional problems such as lowering the age of statutory rape for girls from 18 to 16 years and introduces a new concept of sexual experimentation for boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 16, which does away with statutory rape in this age group.”

“Government must legislate responsibly on these issues. The ACDP calls on courts to make clear statements through harsh penalties for perpetrators of violence and abuse.”