Leave abusers - Shanghala

Leave abusers - Shanghala Victims should stand up for themselves People in abusive relationships should leave their partners and seek help before it is too late, the justice minister advises. JEMIMA BEUKES



Justice minister Sacky Shanghala has urged those in abusive relationships to leave their partners.

Shanghala also strongly urged those being abused to report incidents to the police and visit the gender ministry, as well as call Lifeline/Childline.

“Victims need not feel ashamed. I applaud those that have come forward, your courage and will to make a better life for yourself is inspiring,” he said, while delivering a statement in the National Assembly last week.

He also invited comments and inputs on the Combating of Domestic Violence Amendment Bill, the Maintenance Amendment Bill and Combating of Rape Amendment Bill, which have now been uploaded onto the ministry’s website for public consumption.

According to Shanghala, the Combating of Rape Amendment Bill now clarifies that the minimum sentences for rape apply equally to attempted rape, and prosecutors will have to fulfil additional duties towards complainants and vulnerable witnesses before the commencement of trials, to ensure victims are not intimidated.

“Children, who are often intricately involved in toxic domestic relationships, will now also be able to testify in court and their evidence will carry the same weight as an adult's testimony.”

He added the Maintenance Amendment Bill recognises that often maintenance payers default while living lavish lives.

“To ensure that maintenance payments are made, the court now has the discretion to order that the maintenance payment is directly deducted from the payer’s salary. Defaulters will also not be able to do business with government until the default is cleared,” he said.

Shanghala also pleaded with language experts to translate these bills into the most widely spoken Namibian languages, adding the ministry was committed to ensuring the accuracy of these translations.

“Our people must understand their rights and the best understanding comes from a mother-tongue interpretation.”