The United Nations marked the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence from November 25 to December 10, 2021. We at Cape {town} Etc will be using our platform to raise awareness over this period.
“Gender-based violence and femicide is not a secondary priority. It is not a women’s issue. Gender-based violence is overwhelmingly and unequivocally a human rights issue.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Should you wish to contribute, share your story, advise or educate, kindly send us an email at [email protected].
Day 2: Resources for victims of gender-based violence
There are different types of gender-based violence that women are subjected to as outlined by the Council of Europe:
- psychological violence
- stalking
- physical violence
- forced marriages
- sexual violence, including rape
- female genital mutilation
- forced abortion and forced sterilisation
- sexual harassment
- verbal violence (including hate speech)
- socio-economic violence
Over the years, gender-based violence and femicide brought South Africa to a standstill more than once, reports Global Citizen. One of the most renowned cases, in particular, includes the murder of UCT student, Uyinene Mrwetyana.
Her murder sparked national outrage, bringing about protests in 2019 that called for violence against women to come to an end. As women, we should take immediate action if we are/have been experiencing gender-based violence.
Experiencing GBV can be traumatic and it is essential that you take care of yourself before doing anything else. If you are in need of urgent counselling, reach out to the national Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC). It is a 24-hour call centre that offers immediate trauma counselling and assistance.
The GBVCC also reaches out to SAPS on your behalf and puts you in contact with a social worker. You can contact the GBVCC on 0800 428 428 from anywhere in South Africa or use their “Please Call Me” option that allows them to call you back by dialling *120*7867# on your cell phone.
There are also many national organisations and programmes that offer both legal and emotional counselling:
- People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)
- Lawyers Against Abuse
- Sonke Gender Justice
- Safer Spaces / national directory
Where you can go:
There are many shelters across South Africa for abused women and children who offer not only resources but also refuge for victims. The shelters enable women to build on their empowerment and regain their self-worth.
They also provide free counselling, housing for women and their children, and free meals during their stay. In the Western Cape, you can reach out to:
- Sisters Incorporated
- Saartjie Baartman Centre
- Carehaven Salvation Army
- St. Anne’s Homes
- Women’s Shelter Movement
For more information, click here.
Gender based violence resources South Africa:
- Rape Crisis Cape Town Hotline: 021 447 9762
- South African GBV Hotline: 0800 428 428
- Tears Foundation: 010 590 5920 / www.tears.co.za / [email protected]
- Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555 / www.childline.org.za / [email protected]
- People Opposed to Woman Abuse: 011 642 4345 / www.powa.co.za / [email protected]
- Community Intervention Centre Helpline: 082 821 3447
- Free Legal Advice on WhatsApp (LawForAll): 063 603 3759
- Stop Domestic Violence Helpline (Lifeline): 0800 150 150
- Suicide Helpline: 0800 567 567
- SAPS: 10111
- National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322
- Legal Aid: 0800 110 110
Useful websites:
- https://www.thewarriorproject.org.za/resources/
- https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_speech/THUTHUZELA%20Care%20Centres.pdf
- https://rapecrisis.org.za/
Also read:
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