Rape tweet pricks government

[caption id="attachment_93079" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Themba Nkosi, also known as DJ Euphonik, leaving the Randburg Magistrates Court on June 7, 2012. File photo.[/caption]

The Department of Women is being accused of insensitivity over its gauche take on the row over a magazine’s inclusion of a man accused of domestic violence in a gender-based violence campaign.

Marie Claire South Africa is facing a social media backlash over the campaign‚ In Her Shoes‚ which features the 5FM DJ‚ Euphonik who’s former lover Bonang Matheba had filed domestic violence charges against him in 2012. Matheba later withdrew the charges‚ saying “the matter will be resolved privately”.

The Department of Women ‏@Dept_of_Women climbed into the debate earlier today‚ with this tweet:

“What should be done with women who press charges then later withdraw them?”

Linking the comment to the furore‚ the department stated: “Is Bonang thinking Euphonik shouldn't be part of the campaign? Didn't she later withdrew charges against him?” (sic).

This didn’t sit well with South Africans‚ who quickly took on the department for its stance.

“@Dept_of_Women your role is to champion women...that’s your foundation. To continue a narrative that places women as the problem is off‚” said Miss Dini @AusiDineo_.

Qaanitah Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) tweeted: “This is shameful from a ministry of women”.

“The question is blaming the women. It implies they are wrong & they should be punished‚” said MaTshabangu @moyo_buhle

And Nchema @ShottaZee said: “@Dept_of_Women‚ Your question should be ‘how can we help women who press charges’.”

Nationally‚ 46‚393 rapes were reported to police in the 2013-14 financial year. Experts say an over-burdened court system coupled with DNA backlogs and difficulties sourcing evidence from witnesses contributes to cases taking years to be finalised‚ resulting in low conviction rates. Intimidation or living in close proximity to the alleged abusers are sometimes cited as reasons for cases not proceeding to court.

Thabo Mophiring @QhaBhuti spoke to the department on this point‚ tweeting: “Women often withdraw charges under pressure from family‚ community”.

“Our justice system can make the trauma worse… I have some understanding of why women withdraw‚ beyond pressure‚ hearings also drain women… Having to constantly retell the experience‚ having to face the perpetrator‚ being further victimised by police.”

Placing the onus back on the department‚ @NthabyNooe tweeted‚ “How do we help victims including those who press charges is important”. In response to the criticism‚ the department said it had been questioning‚ not blaming.

“Violence against women is a societal problem and we must collectively find a way of addressing its many facets‚” the department added. -RDM News Wire