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 15: Men called to play an active role in ending violence against women
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the global 16 Days campaign, which forms the centre point of government’s 365 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.
Upon briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, December 8, the Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele said that men must lead by speaking out against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and take a stand in ending the scourge of violence against women and children. But it remains a disturbing relating that more needs to be done to eradicate gender-based violence and femicide.
“Many harrowing GBVF-related stories, including the loss of lives, have been reported during this period, and throughout the entire extended 365 Days of Activism campaign. We are failing as a nation when the cries of the most vulnerable in our society remain unheard or ignored.
“The irresponsible societal norms which validate the violent behaviour of men and the tendency to victimise women who break their silence must stop,” Gungubele expressed.
The Minister further announced that government is currently moving to the introduction of Statutory Sexual Offences Courts. This follows the re-establishment of 206 Sexual Offences Courts across the country.
“In February 2020, section 55A of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act was signed into operation, meaning that for the first time Sexual Offences Courts will now be established in accordance with a statute.
“Section 55A of the Act empowers the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services to designate, not only a selected regional court, but also any Division of the High Court, as a Sexual Offences Court,” the Minister explained.
All GBVF-related incidents can be reported to the police or call the National GBVF Command Centre on 0800 428 428, or Stop Gender Violence Helpline on 0800 150 150/*120*7867#.
Gender based violence resources in 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:
Day 14: GBV increases mental health strain in the shadow of COVID-19
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