On Tuesday, Capetonians gathered in Wale Street alongside members of the Western Cape provincial legislature to form a human chain in support of victims and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
Also read: #Holler: A beacon of light amidst a gender-based violence pandemic
The initiative formed part of the 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign. According to the Western Cape Government (WCG), the human chain symbolised the WCG’s commitment to ‘fighting GBV 365 days a year, not just during the 16 Days of For No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.’
Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez says GBV is an issue that impacts all communities. ‘This human chain is symbolic of citizens standing together against violence and abuse, whether against women, children, men, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.’
On Tuesday, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, Fernandez, members of the Cabinet and Provincial Legislature, and Western Cape Government (WCG) staff joined in on forming the human chain.
‘Gender-based violence can stop with us and we must all take that responsibility. We need to work towards GBV not being a part of our culture. It starts here, it starts with us,’ says Winde. ‘We all have a responsibility to stand up and show that we will not allow violence to be part of our culture.’
Fernandez urges the public to become ambassadors for peace and GBV. ‘[The] government does not have a silver bullet, we do not have enough social workers, doctors, nurses, or teachers. What we need is first responders.’
‘We’ve seen great examples of this in Delft where men and women from the neighbourhood watch stepped up and received training as GBV ambassadors.’
‘We have GBV ambassadors in Malmesbury. We are busy training GBV ambassadors in Theewaterskloof, and even as far as Prince Albert, we have trained GBV ambassadors who volunteer at the trauma room on a weekend or busy periods.’
‘We need to encourage a spirit of volunteerism, where individuals take responsibility. Bring the change you want to bring in your home, your street, and your community so we can make the province a safer place to live.’
Report any abuse to the Department of Social Development’s toll-free number on 0800 220 250, or visit the nearest DSD office, or visit: westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development/facilities/987.
- Stop Gender Violence helpline: 0800 150 150
- SAPS: 08600 10111
To find out more safety services for women and children, send an SMS with the word INFO to 35 395.
Also read:
#ONEVOICE: Gender-Based violence stories in the words of survivors
Picture: Western Cape Government / Facebook