Help only a Whatsapp text away for abuse victims
#NoExcuse introduces an innovative way to get help during the lockdown.
Since national lockdown in South Africa commenced, there has been an unsettling amount of information on Gender Based Violence (GBV) occurring against the backdrop of the COVID-19 outbreak.
This has raised the ire of government and civic organisations, and prompted a response from various organisations, including Carling Black Label’s #NoExcuse initiative.
The #NoExcuse has launched a Whatsapp service approach where people can just send the word ‘BRAVE’ to 080 150 150 and get in touch with the right organization to get the help they need.
The campaign is meant for both men and women.
[also read] – The Protea Magistrate Court closed for Covid_19 decontamination and disinfection process
“As a brand, we want to encourage people to be brave and give them a way to get help.
“This WhatsApp line gives victims of abuse who could be men or women a way to get counselling silently.
“It also puts men who are struggling to be their inner champion in touch with a mentor, someone to talk to, so that they can start on the journey to be champion men. All of this can now happen silently.” said Carling Black Label Brand Director, Arné Rust.
“We will also be partnering with other corporate entities, government departments as well as affiliates such as Takuwani Riime and the Men’s Sector to grow awareness of the service and remove barriers to getting assistance.
“Whilst #NoExcuse has always encouraged victims to be brave and report immediately, there are other socio-economic problems that need to be considered.
“Given the various circumstances people find themselves in during the lockdown, it is difficult for victims of abuse to call for help and also stops men who are ashamed of showing weakness from reaching out. So, the text-based service will enable them to silently send a text for help, without being detected.” Concluded Rust.
This campaign has two phases – the first phase being to raise awareness about the LifeLine number, as people should know there is help available to them. The second phase is to provide them with insight on the WhatsApp functionality and that help is only one Brave text away.
This #NOEXCUSE “The Bravest Thing” programme is set to be rolled out on social media, with the assistance of influential figures in TV, presenter and medical doctor, Dr Musa Mthombeni; Sports presenters – Thomas Mlambo and Andile Ncube; Radio DJ, Moeti “Mo Flava” Tseki and former football player, Phumudzo Manenzhe.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
