Among the most interesting consequences of the killing of George Floyd in America has been the talk about de- funding police.
People are not saying we don't need the police. They are saying that police perform certain functions that might be better served by social services, health or community structures.
Their argument is very similar to the GOOD Movement’s policy on managing crime. The best defence to keep our people safe are active citizens, engaged communities and a powerful toolbox of deterrents. By the time police arrive at the crime scene, the crime has already been committed and people have already been hurt.
So, we ask ourselves: Does it make more sense to prioritise budgeting for qualified teacher- psychologists in every school, to pick up and respond to early warning signs, or to invest this money in catching criminals? Which investment will save more of our girls’ lives?
The obvious answer is that we need the correct balance: We must strengthen our families and communities directly, through supporting community organisations, we must strengthen social welfare (including drug abuse) responses, and we must strengthen our policing and prosecutorial functions.
In this context, governments should not reduce spending money on drug rehabilitation. When we get the balance and coordination right we will radically reduce crime. Columbia, which was until recently among the most violent societies on earth, has shown that it can be done.
If we can change this up we can save many of our girls, besides stopping the trail of our boys to Pollsmoor or Sun City.
Those who nonetheless choose to abuse, assault and murder must know that their chance of escaping justice for their crimes is virtually nil.
I agree with many people in our communities who believe stiffer sentences will help deter perpetrators of gender-based violence. We need workable solutions, and this is an area in which our prosecutors and courts can make a difference.
Rape is not a crime of passion, it is a crime of power. If you take away a rapist’s gun he can pick up a knife. But if you use your resources cleverly, and invest more in families and communities, there’s a good chance of stopping him before he rapes anyone.
Ultimately, it is our families and communities who must take charge of keeping our women and girls safe.
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