Issued by: The Directorate: Communication Services, Department of Justice
An Inter Ministerial Delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Justice Dr M.E. Tshabalala-Msimang with Representatives from the Departments involved in the Criminal Justice System, and Representative from the NGO Sector have just returned from Canada where they went on a study tour. The objective was to learn about strategies and mechanisms utilized by Canada in addressing crime and to share ideas and information on how Criminal Justice can develop a coherent and integrated response in dealing effectively with crime especially violence against women and children.
THE FOLLOWING LESSONS HAVE BEEN LEARNT AND WILL BE UTILIZED IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM TO THE NEEDS OF OUR SOCIETY:
- A co-ordinated, integrated and holistic approach by Government, non Governmental Organisations. Private Sector and Civil Society in addressing the problem of violence against women and children.
- To effectively and efficiently address the problem of violence against women and children - an Intersectoral approach by Government, non Government, Organisations, Private Sector and Civil Society is crucial.
- Treating victims with dignity and promoting victim participation in the criminal Justice System with a view of minimising secondary victimization experienced by victims within the criminal Justice system.
- Counselling of victims and rehabilitation of offenders.
- Involving victims in parole hearings and keeping them informed about the envisaged release of perpetrators from penal institutions.
- Ongoing training to role players in the Criminal Justice System to promote sensitivity and on effective service delivery which is victim-centric.
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) provided technical and financial support for the tour. Consultations were undertaken with relevant role-players both in Government and civil society.
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE, DR TSHABALALA-MSIMANG BY THE DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PRETORIA 16 OCTOBER 1997
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