‘Over 2 000 gender-based violence cases in first week of lockdown’ – NPO

Sonke Gender Justice revealed that over 2 200 gender-based violence cases were reported during the first week of the national lockdown.

According to Given Sigauqwe, Sonke’s Communications and Strategic Information Unit Manager, they believe that the number of unreported cases pushes up that number significantly.

“The escalation of domestic violence around the world amidst lockdown restrictions is in itself another pandemic.

Women, children and other vulnerable groups find themselves trapped between two pandemics.

“Sonke is calling for collective community support for those staying home to keep safe, and to also keep watch on their neighbours’ safety.”

Given added that lockdown has meant that access to normal support channels – like visiting family, and community check-ins – have been shut off.

“In addition to that, being under the constant watch of an abusive member of the household, making a phone call to get help isn’t always possible either.”

Given said unwatched and unchecked women, children and other vulnerable groups are finding themselves at the mercy of their abusers.

This is not the time to be quiet. We must be loud enough to make a difference to those who are impacted by domestic violence.

“There is no doubt that as a nation we are stronger together, so now we have another national call of solidarity. To greatly reduce the frequency and severity of domestic violence attacks in this period, we need to call on our neighbours to help protect each other.

“As neighbours we need to stop outsourcing our role in the fight against GBV. This is why Sonke is launching its #SPEAKOUTcampaign,” Given said.

Watch the campaign video below:

Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. They believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice and achieve gender transformation.