Legal resource hub launched in Durban to fight GBV

A FREE to access information hub has been launched online for those seeking guidance and help regarding the complexities of the law around gender-based violence (GBV).

The Action Against Gender Based Violence Resource Centre – a partnership between legal technology company LexisNexis South Africa and non-profit organisation TEARS Foundation – provides relevant legislation, legal templates, case law, expert guidance and commentary relevant to the scourge of GBV.

It was launched during the virtual LexisNexis Rule of Law Café in Durban on Friday, 4 December, commemorating the global 16 Days of Activism campaign.

This year’s theme ‘Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!’ calls for support of funding organisations and initiatives that respond to survivors and prevent GBV.

Speaking during the launch, Dr Brigitte Clark, senior lecturer in child law and jurisprudence at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, said GBV had escalated as a second and silent pandemic due to COVID-19.

“GBV thrives on isolation and vulnerability. Worldwide lockdowns were disastrous for abused women, particularly those victimised by a partner or spouse. GBV is a hate crime against women, based on their gender, and is endemic around the world. It has only been exacerbated by increased, widespread unemployment and cyclical poverty – and women have been particularly impacted. Police accountability in GBV cases also needs attention,” she said.

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Videsha Proothveerajh, CEO and chairperson of the board of LexisNexis South Africa, said: “We know that preventing gender-based violence and femicide before it happens is critical. But if and when it does occur, it is important that those affected have equal access to the law. We understood that we had to make this resource hub more than just a place for legislation, so we have called on our friends and partners in the legal and civil society sector to share their insights, interpretation of relevant law and commentary that will help to elevate the scourge of GBV and the rights of anybody affected by it.”

Mara Glennie, founder of TEARS, shared that on average worldwide it takes a woman seven or eight attempts to leave the relationship, usually due to the complexities of an abusive relationship coupled with cultural and economic factors.

“Despite our progressive laws and many studies done on violence against women in South Africa, women still have very little protection. That’s why I have been a crusader for social issues over the past six decades to change the perception of the community and public in general, now focusing on rape, abuse and gender-based violence,” she said.

Visit the Action Against Gender Based Violence Resource Centre at https://bit.ly/386HrDk.

For victim assistance support visit: www.tears.co.za, contact 010 590 5920 or Info@tears.co.za.

Find the clinic locator visit https://tears.storefind.mobi/ or get help at your fingertips with a 24-hour emergency line available at *134*7355#

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