GRIP continues war on gender-based violence in the Lowveld
GBV is a profound human rights violation and a widespread problem in South Africa, with major social and developmental impacts for the survivors of this violence, as well as for their families, communities and society in general. GRIP provides assistance and support for victims for GBV and aims to turn them into empowered survivors.
South Africa has a notoriously high level of violence against women, and it is estimated that approximately 51% of South African women will report experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) at least once in their lives.
“It is alarming that over 50% of the GBV cases documented by GRIP are committed by a known perpetrator – someone the victim knows and trusts,” said Tarryn Lokotsch, GRIP’s (the Greater Rape Intervention Programme) CEO.
GBV is a profound human rights violation and a widespread problem in South Africa, with major social and developmental impacts for the survivors of this violence, as well as for their families, communities and society in general.
“GBV (which disproportionately affects women and girls) is systemic and deeply entrenched in institutions, cultures and traditions in South Africa, making it something very difficult to fight,” said Lokotsch.
GBV can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial or structural, and can be perpetrated by intimate partners, acquaintances or strangers.
On an individual level, GBV leads to emotional trauma and can have psychological, behavioural and physical consequences for survivors. Many parts of the country, including areas of Mpumalanga, have very poor access to formal psychosocial or even medical support, which means that many survivors are unable to access the help they need after experiencing GBV. Families and loved ones of survivors can also experience indirect trauma, and many do not know how to provide effective support, said Lokotsch.
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GRIP aims to address this social pandemic by promoting an accessible, comprehensive and co-ordinated approach to GBV and HIV/Aids at community level, including prevention, care, support, recovery, advocacy and holding perpetrators accountable.
In 2023, GRIP’s first responders provided frontline support to over 1 800 survivors who reported GBV at their police station care rooms.
Of the cases reported at police station level, 1 351 were cases of domestic violence.
Lokotsch said that at the Nelspruit SAPS, they documented over 300 cases, the highest of any of GRIP’s police station care rooms, indicating that domestic and interpartner violence in Mbombela is a problem.
Anyone can fall victim to domestic violence. Domestic violence affects mostly women and young children, but men can also be the victims of this type of abuse. It does not only refer to physical violence, but also emotional, verbal and psychological abuse. Domestic violence can be an isolated incident of aggression and violence, or it can also be an ongoing assault.
“Intimidation is also a form of abuse and should be taken very seriously. A situation where there is ongoing domestic violence can be very damaging to everyone who lives in the home. Young children who witness domestic violence are also severely affected, regardless of whether they have been abused or not. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you should not suffer in silence and you are not alone, said Lokotsch.
She emphasised that GRIP has a presence in a number of police stations throughout Mpumalanga, where victims can report incidents in a private and safe space.
GRIP has first responders at the police stations and the court that can assist survivors in opening a formal case and with getting a protection order.
GRIP also has two undisclosed shelters where survivors of GBV can stay for up to six months. At the shelters, survivors and their children have access to a social worker for long-term support and housemothers are available to assist with healthy meals and childcare.
The shelters are focused on victim empowerment and as such, all unemployed survivors are assisted with building a curriculum vitae and completing job applications. Vocational skills such as vegetable farming, sewing, beading and knitting are available.
“During 2023, GRIP provided shelter to over 230 survivors. The shelters are safe, comfortable, confidential and available to anyone experiencing GBV,” said Lokotsch.
Domestic violence is a very serious crime and can result in the death of a victim, risk of contracting HIV, maiming, bruises and fractures, injuries and harm extended to children, anxiety, fear and depression, humiliation and insecurity, suicidal tendencies, low levels of productivity from victims, feelings of incompetence, low self-esteem, lack of self-worth, and mental and physical problems in children who have been, or who have witnessed domestic violence.
Lokotsch emphasised that any adult person has a legal obligation to report to a social worker or police, knowledge, belief or suspicion of an act of domestic violence perpetrated against a child, person with disability or an older person. A failure to do so is a punishable offence.
Survivors or anyone seeking assistance and more information can contact the GRIP helpline on 083 310 1321, available 24/7, or email info@grip.org.za.
