The Khuseleka One-Stop Centre at the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children was officially launched this week after a nearly decade-long struggle for recognition by the national Department of Social Development.
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Sharna Fernandez, the Western Cape MEC for social development, says the centre is managed by a non-profit organisation, and was established by the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) in 2015.
‘The Western Cape Government has tried for years to get the necessary support from national DSD for this facility,’ she adds.
‘Despite this uphill battle for national support, the provincial DSD has continued funding both Khuseleka and Saartjie Baartman.’
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The Khuseleka One-Stop Centre acts as a safe haven for women and children who are victims of crime and violence, providing trauma counselling and psychological support, healthcare, police services and legal assistance.
In addition, the centre also offers a substance abuse treatment programme.
‘The Western Cape DSD’s Victim Empowerment Programme has worked closely with the various partners to ensure survivors of GBV receive the necessary support at Khuseleka including the Saartjie Baartman Centre, the National Prosecuting Authority, the provincial Department of Health and Wellness, and the South African Police Service,’ says Fernandez.
‘Lastly, I cautiously welcome the signing of the National Council of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill, despite it also occurring days before the elections,’ she adds.
Fernandez says the Provincial DSD provided several inputs for the Bill over the years and notes that the department will ‘keep a close eye on the council’s objectives and functions.’
‘The Council must develop an action plan, not later than six months after its establishment, for the implementation of the national strategy addressing gender-based violence and femicide.’
‘I hope the Council will do what it sets out to do, and that it is not just another political stunt.’
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Picture: Saartjie Baartman Centre / Facebook