Domestic violence is a serious social evil and occurs among all sectors of society across the world. Victims are almost always women and children because of their vulnerability.

Domestic violence is a serious social evil and occurs among all sectors of society across the world. Victims are almost always women and children because of their vulnerability.

South Africa has made it an obligation to protect children and women. The Bill of Rights entrenches the right of every person to equality, freedom and security.

Public attitude towards complainants and-or victims is often influenced by myths. To understand why these myths exist, we must first acknowledge that the scourge mostly affects women. Society is male dominated. Men are regarded as superior and women are expected to be their subordinates.

Whenever a woman takes a stand, she is viewed as a threat. If some men can't get their way, they simply use physical force. Unfortunately, many women also accept this unnatural phenomenon. Male superiority is a myth that must be exposed.

Every SAPS member must protect the rights entrenched in the constitution, be impartial, respectful and accountable to communities to create a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa. We are committed to preventing and combating crime against women and children. This includes domestic violence.

Captain Percy Morokane, SAPS national spokesman,

Pretoria