Justice must prevail for deaf GBVF victims, says SAPS social worker studying sign language
The South African Police Service has deployed a social worker, who is currently studying sign language at Wits University, to assist in dealing with GBVF cases involving deaf victims.
The deployment comes amid the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Captain Kgomotso Maluleke, a forensic social worker within the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations Unit based at the SAPS National Head Office, is currently doing her final year in sign language.
Maluleke says her passion influenced her decision to study sign language to ensure no victim leaves without getting necessary assistance due to communication challenges.
To date, Maluleke has put at least 13 GBVF offenders behind bars, two of which were handed down with life imprisonment sentences for rape and others with up to 8 years imprisonment for sexual assault, child neglect and assault GBH.
She says it is her duty to intervene where there is a need for sign language skills.
"There was a time when I had to assist a deaf victim at the police station to open a case of house robbery and assault, but I struggled. This was when I took it upon myself to study sign language to be able to accommodate the deaf community and to ensure justice prevails.”
Maluleke adds that she also wants to help more vulnerable communities.
"Most children are prevented by their guardians from reporting abuse because some of the perpetrators are breadwinners. Communities must act as activists against GBV within their area, homes and work."
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