Locals urged to join the fight against GBV
A lack of facilities to provide safe shelters for women escaping domestic abuse may be one of the factors driving victims back to their abusive partners.
November 25 marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign for this year.
More organisations and government departments will be involved in various activities aimed at raising awareness of the GBV scourge, which has been dubbed South Africa’s ‘second pandemic’ after Covid-19.
The annual campaign runs from November 25 (International Day of No Violence against Women) through to December 10 (International Human Rights Day). This year marks the 25th anniversary since South Africa initiated the campaign.
Numerous organisations that deal with the issues associated with GBV state that while the country may have made some strides in passing laws aimed at protecting the rights of women and children, the escalating numbers of GBV cases can be indicators that more still needs to be done.
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The South African Government (www.gov.za) stated that the campaign focuses on raising awareness of the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women and children, and the social fabric of our society.
The theme for the 2023 campaign is Accelerating actions to end gender-based violence and femicide: leaving no one behind.
The sub-theme for this year is Safe access for women to clean water: a basic human right.
The main theme speaks to the importance of ensuring an all-society and multi-faceted approach to fight GBVF.
The sub-theme seeks to address barriers women face in safely accessing water and sanitation in South Africa.
Play your part
• Citizens are encouraged to act as activists against GBV in their homes, communities and workplaces as well as other platforms.
• Challenge cultures and practices that perpetuate gender inequalities and consequent abuse of women and children at personal and societal levels.
• Reject and report abusers. Act and don’t look away.
• Do not protect abusers, report them.
• Sign the pledge against GBV. Do not engage in abusive activities and become an abuser. Stop abuse.
• Challenge and denounce cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities.
• Be sensitive and supportive to GBV victims – share helpful information and support causes near you.
• Seek personal help to change harmful behaviours such as alcohol and substance abuse.
• Teach children values of gender equality.
• Protect children from exposure to violence and harmful content on the internet and social media, including pornography, and sexual solicitation.
• Develop policies that prevent and deal with gender-based violence in your sector, workplace and communities.
• Organise targeted community outreach and dialogues on solutions towards a gender-equal society.
Where to find help
Counselling and support for women:
National Crisis Helpline (Lifeline) 0861 322 322
Stop Gender-Based Violence Helpline 0800 150 150
People Opposed to Women Abuse 011 642 4345
Family and Marriage Society of South Africa 012 460 0733
National Network on Violence Against Women 012 321 4959
Counselling and support for children:
Childline 0800 055 555
Social Security Child support grants 0800 601 011
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Healthcare:
Marie Stopes clinics 0800 11 77 85
Depression and Anxiety Group 011 783 1474
AIDS Helpline 0800 012 322
AID for AIDS 0860 100 646
Legal assistance:
Legal Aid Board 011 845 4311
Lawyers for Human Rights 011 339 1960
Campaigns for men who support no violence:
Men as Partners Project 011 833 0504
Information:
Sexual Harassment Education Project 011 403 0541
Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation 011 403 5650
South African Police Service10111
Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567
