Senator Chief Chikwaka, real name Witness Bungu says domestic violence is not just perpetrated by men, but by women also and comes in many forms.
Speaking in the Senate on a debate on domestic violence in line with the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the Senator said there was need to unite in fighting the abuse and not pointing fingers.
“I am not supporting domestic violence but I would like to criticize strongly some behaviour. In this august House we heard Honourable Senator (Violet) Moeketsi debating about how some men are errant. This cuts both ways Mr President.
“Abuse is not just about men but women also abuse men.
“Even in our contemporary society, we have women who are not disclosing their children’s father’s identities. Sometimes women swear that they brought up their children alone without the fathers. We see cases of abuse with mothers abusing their children,” he said.
The Chief also added that some form of abuse comes in the way in which some women handle their step children.
“We also have cases of women who abuse children. Step mothers are often found to be abusing their step children. Some children do not even go to school because of abuse.
“Mr President, when some girls reach puberty, they do not have support from their stepmothers – this is abuse and is a big form of abuse that is being perpetrated by both men and women.
“So, as a nation, let us not just point fingers at men but let us unite and work together since this issue is an eye-opener that we have been tasked to educate people on gender-based violence,” he said.
