More communities join DSD’s stand against GBV
For the start of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is ramping up its efforts to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
This week, 139 residents are joining the department’s GBV Ambassador programme in various areas: Breede Valley, Atlantis, the Cape Metro North (additional for this region), Drakenstein, and Stellenbosch. These programmes are being launched oover the course of several days this week.
GBV ambassadors have been trained to assist DSD in raising awareness in their communities about support services available to survivors of abuse and domestic violence. They are also usually first responders to incidents of GBV and help survivors to find the necessary support from the relevant authorities.
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “Thank you to these residents who have decided to join the Western Cape Government in its efforts to address GBV in all its forms. And thank you to our partners: sister departments, municipalities like the City of Cape Town, NGOs, and other spheres of government for working with us. It is not just during these 16 Days that we are working, but throughout the year. The Western Cape Department of Social Development’s Victim Empowerment Programme has a budget of over R73 million. This allows us to fund 26 shelters across the province that provide safe accommodation and support services for women and children affected by GBV. The programme also funds 21 social service organisations that provide services at critical entry points like the Thuthuzela Care Centres, courts, and at SAPS victim friendly rooms.”
GBV Ambassador programmes are operating in:
- Swartland
- Delft
- Grabouw
- Philippi
- Heinz Park
- Ceres
- Central Karoo district
- Cape Metro North (Dunoon, Bishop Lavis, Langa, Elsies River, and Fisantekraal)
- Berg River
- Metro South (Manenberg, Mitchells Plain, Heideveld, Wynberg, Lavender Hill, Philippi, Steenberg, Retreat, and Gugulethu)
- Metro East (Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Mfuleni, and Somerset West)
- Cape Winelands and Overberg regions (Bonnievale, Ashton, Robertson, McGregor, and Zolani)
- Klein Karoo (Oudtshoorn, Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Dysselsdorp, and Zoar)
- Matzikama
- Cederberg
Worcester GBV Ambassador Maulisca Randford said, “I became an ambassador because there is a lot of abuse in the area where I stay, and I wanted to do something about it. By becoming an ambassador, I will be able to take the hand of many women, children, and the elderly in my community who are suffering, and show them the path forward, that there is help for them.”
At the Atlantis launch, the City of Cape Town provided 1000 dignity packs for survivors that access support through the department.
“Survivors of Gender-Based Violence experience unimaginable trauma and turmoil. They deserve every little bit of support we can provide, including access to services, but also the practical needs that come with leaving behind abusive situations. In many instances, those who leave do so with nothing but the clothes on their back. The City’s contribution of these dignity packs is a small gesture of our support and commitment to these survivors. As the City, we are focused on awareness and prevention and are contributing to closing the gap where help is needed,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham.
Minister Londt reflected on this year’s global theme for the 16 Days campaign: “End digital violence against all women and girls.”
He said, “The theme places a spotlight on the online dangers faced by children – especially girls – and women. Whether through image-based abuse, harassment, extortion, or online hate, girls and women are facing more dangers than ever before. According to one of our funded NPO partners, A21,1 in 4 children have been exposed to online abuse. I wish to encourage parents to have honest conversations with their children about what they’re doing online, open communication is key to protecting and empowering them to use the internet safely.”
To access more information about services offered by the Department for GBV survivors, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za or visit: western-cape-directory-of-services-for-victims-of-crime-and-violence-2023_0.pdf
Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
Email: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za