16 Days of Activism Against GBV: an information guide

This week marked the 31st anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, which was started by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute. GBV is a global and local problem that needs to be addressed urgently.

The United Nations has set aside 25 November to 10 December each year as the official days for people to unite, raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women.

“Gender-based violence and femicide is not a secondary priority. It is not a women’s issue. Gender-based violence is overwhelmingly and unequivocally a human rights issue.” says President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The theme is to challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women for good. There has been an increase in crimes against women and children in our country.

According to the government website, data from the South African Police Service (SAPS) shows that sexual offences and rape increased by 13% between 2017 and 2018, 2021 and 2022. Between the first quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022, there was a 52% increase in the murder of women and a 46% increase in the number of children murdered.

According to stats released on 24 November 2022, the alarming escalation in crime statistics across South Africa is as follows:

• murder cases increased by 13,6%
• sexual offences by 11%
• attempted murder by 19,4%
• assault GBH by 15,8%
• common assault by 19,5%

Due to this, the South African government, together with other private sectors and locals, will be having a series of community and sector activities, events and dialogues to foster various collaborative efforts in dealing with issues around GBV. Stay tuned for updates.

Cape {town} Etc on 16 Days of Activism Against GBV:

• Day 1: What is Gender-based Violence?

• Day 2: Resources for victims of gender-based violence

• Day 3: How to be there for someone who’s been sexually assaulted

• Day 4: Incredible talks that shed a light on gender-based violence

• Day 5: Women in the farming sector hit hard by the pandemic

• Day 6: Gender-based violence statistics are rising at a rapid rate 

• Day 7: Remembering victims of gender-based violence

• Day 8: These voices stand up against gender-based violence, support them

• Day 9: Holding the government accountable when it comes to GBV

• Day 10: Gender-based violence awareness films in South Africa

• Day 11: Can I lose my child/children if I report abuse? And other FAQs

• Day 12: Let’s talk about what we usually sugarcoat – online gender-based violence

• Day 13: Western Cape government continue to support shelters for victims of GBV

• Day 14: GBV increases mental health strain in the shadow of COVID-19

• Day 15: Men called to play an active role in ending violence against women

• Day 16: Fighting GBV with digital tools

Below are some local victim support centres and services:

• Rape Crisis Cape Town Hotline: 021 447 9762
• South African GBV Hotline: 0800 428 428
• Tears Foundation: 010 590 5920 / www.tears.co.za / [email protected]
• Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555 / www.childline.org.za / [email protected]
• People Opposed to Woman Abuse: 011 642 4345 / www.powa.co.za / [email protected]
• Community Intervention Centre Helpline: 082 821 3447
• Free Legal Advice on WhatsApp (LawForAll): 063 603 3759
• Stop Domestic Violence Helpline (Lifeline): 0800 150 150
• Suicide Helpline: 0800 567 567
• SAPS: 10111
• National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322
• Legal Aid: 0800 110 110

Useful websites:

• www.thewarriorproject.org.za
• www.gov.za

ALSO SEE:

National Council on GBV and Femicide Bill to be introduced to parliament

Feature Image: Pexels