This was said at last week’s annual general meeting of the Newcastle Crisis Centre where it was heard that the figure includes women accompanied by their children in need of a place of safety and women who have been victims of either domestic violence, rape, assault, or other forms of abuse.
Men who were victims of partner abuse and their families and children who were victims of abuse and neglect are included in the statistics.
Chairman, Morris Gajoo, stated that over the past two years, GBV has become more prevalent. Generally, he said, many acts of violence against violence are often carried out by men who perceive women to be the weaker sex and, therefore ‘easy pickings’.
“Apart from criminal assaults, the fact is that women face a more insidious form of violence committed daily, not by a stranger but in most cases, by their loved ones, husbands, brothers, and even in some cases, by their sons,” he said.
He stressed that more is needed to be done to address domestic abuse as these crimes occur where they cannot be policed; such as in bedrooms, homes, and in very secluded areas where policing is nearly impossible.
“These acts of violence start small but eventually escalate to the point where lives are lost. It is imperative that abuse needs to be dealt with more effectively from the start and not only once it’s too late,” he said.
Gajoo said victims more often than not stay with their abusers due to the fear of being killed or the fear of their children being hurt or killed. Other factors are the fear of homelessness or the decline in their living conditions for themselves and their children should they leave.
“But victims need to remember that it is never okay for someone to abuse them! If you are in immediate danger, call the police,” he exclaimed.
40% of men abuse and assault their partners daily:
According to a report published in the Mail and Guardian on August 30, rape and contact crimes are on the rise, with more women and children murdered and sexually assaulted during the first quarter of the 2024-25 financial year, compared to last year.
Police crime statistics revealed that contact crimes, which included murder, robbery, sexual offences, and assault, increased by 2.6% to 153 657 incidents reported in the first quarter running from April to June 2024 compared to last year’s statistics.
Available figures from the SA Medical Research Council (MRC) found that 40% of men abuse and assault their partners daily and that three women in South Africa are killed every day by their intimate partners.
Turning to the challenges of funding hampering the Crisis Centre, Gajoo warned that a lack of resources in South Africa is felt on two fronts: within the organisations (such as the Crisis Centre) and in the community.
“While the Crisis Centre is delivering much-needed services to the greater community, the funding model has not been adapted for these services. Thus, we are expected to implement the principles of the Department of Social Development, but do not receive the appropriate financial support.”
He concluded by thanking those who donated and supported the centre, stating they should be proud of the way they serve their community organisations.
“To the staff at the centre; we honour you and the difference you are making. To Mary, the stalwart and matriarch of the centre – you’re a glorious showcase of all your indefatigable dedication.
“What a legacy you have built in promoting women’s rights… To my management committee who throughout the year were a source of great inspiration and always eager to advise and provide assistance when and where needed – a huge thank you,” he concluded.
Thereafter the financial, directors, and social workers reports were read by Margaret Anderson, Mary Dobbie and Jabu Makhoba, before the evening concluded with delicious snacks and fun banter among those in attendance.
The 2024 Management Committee was announced as follows:
- Morris Gajoo (Chairman),
- Barbara Shwabb (Vice Chairman),
- Margaret Anderson (Treasurer),
- Cornalee van der Westuizen (Secretary).
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