16 days of Activism: violence can take many forms

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is an international awareness-raising campaign. It takes place every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

South Africa adopted the campaign in 1998 as one of the intervention strategies towards creating a society free of violence. The campaign continues to raise  awareness among South Africans about the negative impact of violence against women and children (VAW&C) on all members of the community.

Support the campaign by wearing the white ribbon during the 16-day period:

A white ribbon is a symbol of peace and symbolises the commitment of the wearer to never commit or condone violence against women and children.

We all have a role to play in ending violence against women and children. Find a cause to support during the 16 Days of Activism period.

— 16 Days of Activism (@16DaysZA) November 24, 2015

Violence takes many forms, for example:

• Physical violence in the form of domestic violence, terrible violent crime such as murder, robbery, rape and assault.
• Emotional violence and trauma at many levels caused by many factors. Women and children in their homes, at work, at schools, on our streets, in our communities suffer this form of violence for various reasons.
• Another terrible blight of our democracy is the violence of poverty, starvation, humiliation and degradation, especially against women and children. Poverty, inequality and unemployment are conditions under which violence thrives.

Abuse is not always physical. Calling her names, shouting at her, smashing things and putting her down is abusive behaviour.

— 16 Days of Activism (@16DaysZA) November 24, 2015

Encourage others to Speak out against woman and child abuse.

• Encourage silent female victims to talk about abuse and ensure that they get help.
• Report child abuse to the police.
• Encourage children to report bully behaviour to school authorities.
• Men and boys are encouraged to talk about abuse and actively discourage abusive behaviour.
• Seek help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abusive to your partner and/or children. Call the Stop Gender Based Violence helpline (0800 150 150).
• Talk to friends, relatives and colleagues to take a stand against abuse of women and children.
• Try and understand how your own attitudes and actions might perpetuate sexism and violence.
• Spread the message on social media using #16Days2015

Where to get help

SAPS Crime Stop
08600 10111

Gender-Based Violence Command Centre
0800 428428/0800 GBV GBV

STOP Gender Violence Helpline
0800 150 150/ *120*7867# from any cell phone

Childline- Report child abuse
0800 055 555

Family and Marriage Society of South Africa – Advice on family relationships
011 975 7107

Human Trafficking
08000 737 283 (08000 rescue) / 082 455 3664

SA National Council for Child Welfare
011 339 5741

via SAgov