A fight against domestic violence
MIDRAND – Vodacom and the Department of Social Development aims to support victims of gender-based violence during the national lockdown.
Vodacom, in partnership with the Department of Social Development, is operating a Gender-Based Violence Command Centre to support victims of abuse during the lockdown.
The centre is run by highly qualified social workers to provide support to victims of abuse and violence. Police Minister, Bheki Cele, said that there had been 87 000 calls relating to gender-based violence during the first week of the lockdown.
Takalani Netshitenzhe, chief officer for corporate affairs for the Vodacom Group said, “For us at Vodacom, we view violence against women as a violation of human rights and the greatest impediment towards gender equality. This issue is a social ill of our time that has started reversing the strides made in gender equality since the dawning of our democracy 25 years ago.
“As this [service] is an Internet-based system, it can also be accessed by anybody with access to the Internet. The call centre receives an alarming average of 22 000 calls per month, which paints a bleak picture of a society. These calls result in tele-counselling at the centre and some calls, based on the severity of the case, are referred to the community-based social workers and the South African Police Service.”
Netshitenzhe said that the service provider appeals to anyone who may need support during this time to contact the GBV Command Centre by dialling 0800 428 428 or via USSD on *120*7867#.
“A Skype line ‘HelpMeGBV’ is for members of the deaf community. An SMS-based line ‘31531’ will also assist people with disabilities (SMS Help to 31531).
“We’d like to appeal to South African men to become change agents and play an active role in ridding our society of gender violence. Gender-based violence requires men to stand up, call out, and address the violent and aggressive behaviour that many women face every day. For this to happen, men need to be the champions in the fight against women abuse and femicide, while shining a light on those perpetrators who continue to abuse women and children without fear or consequence,” concluded Netshitenzhe.
Details: For more information, call the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.
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Related:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/253178/midrand-spca-encourages-residents-to-prepare-themselves-and-their-animals-during-lockdown/
