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 6: Gender-based violence statistics are rising at a rapid rate
Just a week before the launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, national Police Minister Bheki Cele, released the latest crime statistics between July and September 2021. Over 9 500 gender-based violence cases were reported, and 13 000 cases of domestic violence.
During the quarter, 897 women were murdered, 64 more than in the quarter from the previous year – an increase of 7.7%.
Sexual offence cases increased by 4.7%, with 9 556 rapes between July and September up 7.1% from the previous year’s second quarter – 8 922.
In President Cyril Ramaphosa’s weekly letter to the nation, he said:
“These statistics are shameful. We are in the grip of a relentless war being waged on the bodies of women and children that, despite our best efforts, shows no signs of abating.
“We have said before that the violence perpetrated by men against women is the second pandemic that our country must confront, and like the Covid-19 pandemic it can be overcome if we all work together.
“Since the launch of the National Strategic Plan to Combat Gender-based Violence and Femicide (NSP) in 2020, there have been several interventions to respond to GBV. This includes far-reaching legislative reform, support to survivors through the provision of evidence kits at police stations and psycho-social services, the establishment of a GBVF Fund and supporting the network of Thuthuzela and Khuseleka Care Centres.
“The SAPS has indicated we are making progress in reducing the significant backlogs in DNA analysis, which is crucial to securing justice for survivors of sex crimes. The SAPS also operates 134 GBV desks at police stations around the country and is in the process of establishing more.”
Ramaphosa went on to say that every year when November comes around, we make pledges to end violence against women and children. We take part in marches and attend mass mobilisation events. However, what has been observed over the years is that mostly women and children are taking part in the 16 Days of Activism.
“Gender-based violence is, after all, a problem of male violence. It is predominantly men who are rapists. It is mainly men who are perpetrators of domestic violence.
“Because it is men who are the main perpetrators, it should be men taking the lead in speaking out and reporting gender-based violence, in raising awareness, in peer education and in prevention efforts.
“Men should also be playing a more formative and present role in their families, particularly in raising their sons to exhibit healthy, positive masculinity that is respectful of women and children.
“South African men need to play a greater role in preventing GBV. They need to understand what constitutes gender-based violence, especially sexual violence.
“The latest crime stats show nearly 4,000 people were raped in their homes or that of the perpetrator, and in 400 reported rape cases the victim and perpetrator had a relationship. This suggests that some men do not understand that sexual activity without explicit consent is a crime.
“Men must respect their wives and girlfriends and understand that being in an intimate partner relationship is never a justification for domestic violence.”
He called on South African men, young and old, married or unmarried to be part of the prevention efforts and larger movement.
“Let us work together as one to ensure that this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign is meaningful, that it moves beyond mere words, and that it results in real change in the lives of South Africa’s women and children,” Ramaphosa concluded.
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:
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