Latest news with #PartnerViolence
IOL News
26-06-2025
- IOL News
No justification for violence: Court dismisses appeal in intimate partner violence case
The repeat offender, who had previously also served a prison sentence for murder, argued that he was provoked and could not foresee the death of his girlfriend after the violent assault which occurred after a night where the couple had consumed alcohol. Image: File A man who beat and kicked his partner to death in an alcohol-induced rage will continue to serve his 20 years imprisonment term after his appeal against his sentence failed in the Western Cape High Court. The repeat offender, who had previously also served prison sentence for murder, argued that he was provoked and could not foresee the death of his girlfriend after the violent assault which occurred after a night where the couple had consumed alcohol. Bafana Khumalo, co-executive director at Anti-GBV NPO Sonke Gender Justice, said they welcomed the court's decision and said there is no justification for violence. Khumalo said they welcomed the seriousness with which the court handled the matter and for denying the appeal against sentence. 'This indicates the seriousness that the court considered this matter. The judgment affirms the fact that there can be no justification for violence. Alcohol and anger can never be an excuse,' said Khumalo. Khumalo added that it amplifies how the law should deal with perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). 'This judgment strengthens our jurisprudence on how IPV matters should be handled. There is a strong message to all of us in society that such acts of brutality will not be tolerated and where there has been violation as in this case there will be accountability. 'The lesson for all of us is that we need to redouble our efforts in ensuring that in our prevention programmes such cases should serve as teaching moments particularly for boys and men that there is no justification for using violence. Where there's a difference of opinion parties should engage in dispute resolving mechanisms that do not include any form of violence,' said Khumalo. It emerged in court that the couple became involved in an argument which revolved around the man's consumption of wine which the girlfriend had bought and her accusation that the man failed to contribute financially to their joint household. The man argued that he was provoked and angry but could distinguish between lawful and unlawful actions and act according to such knowledge. In a plea statement he pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to an alternative charge of culpable homicide. 'He also stated that the deceased threw wine at his face and threatened to return to her estranged husband and have more children with him. Consequently, the appellant became angry at the accusation and started hitting the deceased with fists in her face. 'She fell to the ground, and he started kicking the deceased in her face and on her body. The appellant explained that the deceased lost consciousness. The appellant fetched a jug of water and poured the water over her face. According to the appellant, the deceased regained consciousness and he informed her that he would be leaving. The appellant then left the house,' the judgment read.
Cision Canada
05-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Unifor encouraged as N.B. government declares Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic
"We are thankful for Minister Boudreau's participation in our Symposium and for participating in a conversation on the importance of the language of the motion," said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. "Naming IPV as an epidemic is in line with the Mass Casualty Commission's recommendations, aligns with legislation in Nova Scotia, and reflects advocacy efforts in other provinces. "Most importantly, it signals the urgency needed to address violence in our communities. This is an important first step and we look forward to working with the Minister and frontline service providers on the introduction of legislation." The accepted motion signals the government's growing understanding, shared by the labour movement, community partners and frontline service providers, of the overwhelming need for funding, education and supports for those experiencing, fleeing and recovering from violence. New Brunswick has among the highest incidences of reported IPV across the Atlantic Provinces. "As workplace representatives, Unifor Women's Advocates are often the first point of contact for someone experiencing violence and are well-informed on what supports exist in the community to support members and where critical gaps exist," said Murray. "We hope and expect that government's next steps will be to bring Unifor and frontline service providers together to build an informed and effective response." Murray and delegates at the Unifor Intimate Partner Violence Symposium took their call for action on IPV to the steps of the New Brunswick legislature earlier this week. Watch their video message here. The passing of today's motion reflects Unifor's broader efforts to have Intimate Partner Violence formally recognized as an epidemic in every province and territory. In September 2024, a bill was introduced in the Nova Scotia legislature and, with Unifor's support, was passed immediately and unanimously —demonstrating the growing momentum behind this call and the importance of political will in addressing gender-based violence. Unifor has written to every premier, urging them to declare Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
