Covid-19: Five safe places for women and children around Port Shepstone
The Safe Place project is to provide physical, emotional and social safety for the most vulnerable members of society.
Five run-to facilities are open for anyone who needs to escape violence or abuse during lockdown.
This is the work of Genesis Trust of Norwegian Settlers’ Church, which is assisting anyone who is a victims of abuse, gender-based violence, rape, or sexual assault.
ALSO READ: Fears of domestic violence rise as millions confined over virus
There are three pillars of the SafePlace model that seek to not only protect people from dangerous situations, but holistically bring change by eliminating fear of violence and empowering leadership and community.
The world has seen a global rise in domestic violence cases since Coronavirus lockdown, as victims of abuse are now forced to spend each day with their perpetrators.
The Safe Place projects around Port Shepstone are run-to facilities close to communities (within 1km).
Spearheaded by Jono Downham these facilitates were set up for vulnerable women and children to have a place to escape to, where their needs will be met, and the police and Wolf Security will help ensure they are safe.
They will receive counselling and assistance to help them get back on their feet.
Joléne Vujević of Genesis says this project has been running for about two years, and has been dealt with more than 100 cases.
The five safe places around Port Shepstone are:
- Mkholombe – Open from Thursday to Monday.
- Nobama – Open from Monday to Sunday.
- Merlewood – Open from Thursday to Monday.
- Hlanganani – Open from Thursday to Monday
- Murchison – Open from Thursday to Monday
Each container, is situated near a school and is manned by a female security guard at night and a social worker during the day.
A flashing green light indicates that the SafePlace is open.
“If you or someone you know needs a safe place to be away from violence of abuse go to one of our open containers,” said Jolene.
The government hotline is 0800 428 428 – *120*7867# (free).
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
