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.
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Day 13: Western Cape government continue to support shelters for victims of GBV
Today marks day 13 of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (GBV) and we highlight the role the Western Cape government play in creating and supporting safe spaces for women and children who are victims of GBV.
On Monday, December 6 the Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, engaged with the provincial Department of Social Developments’ (DSD) Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) partners who are funded to manage the six newly established shelters for victims of GBV in the province.
The purpose of the engagement was to share the lessons learned and challenges presented at the respective facilities since opening earlier this year.
The shelters opened after the National Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure announced that six National government-owned properties in the Western Cape would be made available as safe havens for women and children.
Also read: Day 1: What is Gender-based Violence?
According to Minister Fernandez, all the respective properties are situated in the Garden Route, West Coast and the Central Karoo areas, expanding the Western Cape’s safety net for the vulnerable women and children, particularly in our rural areas.
“We are incredibly grateful to have an additional six safe spaces for victims of gender-based violence in rural areas of the province, at a time when the need for these services is rising sharply.
“It would be remiss of me not to mention that the establishment of these safe havens for women and children in such a swift and efficient manner would not have been possible without the support of NPO partners and other key stakeholders. Our success in this regard confirms the power of partnerships and collaboration!”Fernandez explained.
Also read: Day 5: Women in the farming sector hit hard by the pandemic
The establishment of these shelters offers critical support to victims of GBV, not only at responding to the needs of victims but also at the prevention of GBV. Victim empowerment services will also be rendered at the six properties will include, amongst others, psycho-social support, healthcare, and legal services.
“I am also proud to note that the Western Cape is the only province to have completed the refurbishments of the properties transferred by the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to be used specifically as safe havens for women and children.
“I encourage anyone who has experienced GBV, or who has been impacted by it, to reach out for help and start the journey towards healing,” Fernandez concluded.
Where to go for Help?
- Gender-Based Violence Command Centre: Call 0800 428 428 or dial *120*7867#
- National Shelter Movement (24-hour line): 0800 001 005
- Police: 10111
- The Human Trafficking Resource Line: 0800 222 777
- Department of Social Development Toll-Free line: 0800 220 250
- Department of Social Development Email: [email protected] /
- SASSA 0800 60 10 11
- Childline: 116
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:
Read more:
Day 9: Holding the government accountable when it comes to GBV
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